Dermata Therapeutics Inc. (NASDAQ: DRMA) received notice of acceptance from the Australian Patent Office for its patent application covering topical dermal filler delivery using its Bioneedle Delivery System, the company announced April 2.

The patent application, titled "Compositions for the treatment of conditions by dermal fillers" (Australian Patent Application No. 2020315876), addresses topical delivery of dermal fillers rather than traditional injectable methods. The patent will be automatically issued three months after acceptance unless a third party files an opposition.

This represents Dermata's first patent covering the use of its Bioneedle Delivery System with dermal fillers, if issued. The company already holds allowed and issued patents in the United States, Australia, and Japan covering the system's use with botulinum toxin for hyperhidrosis treatment.

The Bioneedle Delivery System utilizes wild-harvested Spongilla lacustris to create microchannels in skin for topical application of macromolecules by professionals. The system aims to enable delivery of compounds that typically require injection.

Dermata recently shifted strategy from pharmaceutical development to focus on direct-to-consumer skincare solutions. The company plans to launch its initial product in mid-2026, incorporating the Bioneedle technology into a skin refresh treatment and an acne treatment.

"Instead of traditional injectable applications, we believe topical delivery of dermal fillers opens the door to a wide range of uses," said Gerry Proehl, chairman, president, and CEO of Dermata.

The San Diego-based company is developing the delivery system for various aesthetic applications including fine line treatment and skin hydration restoration.