What is Trifunctional elastin-derived peptide?
TFP is a designed peptide with three parts: an elastin motif (VGVAPG), a tripeptide that blocks MMP-1 (GIL), an enzyme that breaks down collagen, and a linker sequence (RVRL) that is a substrate for urokinase.
It is not an INCI-listed name in the records checked. Several study authors are from Regentis-Pharma. Check product labels for the trade name that is used.
How it is thought to work
Earlier lab work reports that TFP activated the production of matrix proteins by fibroblasts while inhibiting MMP-1 in fibroblasts and skin explants.
In the 2023 trial, the authors report a rise in the ratio of basal lamina to stratum corneum in tissue samples, and a change in the ratio of type I to type III collagen.
What the studies show
Every record below was checked against the paper. Where a result is from cells, animals or a combination product, the entry says so.
Abraham JD, et al. Am J Transl Res. 2023;15(7):4620–4628. (opens in a new tab)
Industry-authored
Design. Split-face trial: 22 volunteers applied a TFP cream to one half of the face and placebo to the other, twice daily for 28 days, before a surgical lift. Skin measures and histology were taken.
Finding. Firmness and wrinkle depth improved more on the TFP side than the placebo side after 28 days, and histology showed changes in skin structure. Several authors are from Regentis-Pharma.
How it is used
Only one research trial is in the records checked. Product use, concentrations and labels for TFP are not established here.
The trial ran for 28 days, so its result describes a short-term effect.
Safety
Each participant had a surgical lift, so this trial is not a typical home-use setting. Its abstract does not give side-effect results.
Patch-test any product that contains it.
Talk to a doctor, dermatologist or pharmacist before starting a new active, especially if you are pregnant, have a skin condition, or use prescription treatments.
Questions
Is TFP clinically proven?
It has one small human trial, reported in 2023, with several authors from Regentis-Pharma. That is early evidence and has not been repeated in the records checked for this page.
How does it differ from VGVAPG alone?
TFP includes the VGVAPG motif plus two other sequences. The trial tested the whole molecule, so its result does not show what the elastin motif does alone.