SkinBioTherapeutics PLC (LON:SBTX) said its SkinBiotix technology has passed two additional and final toxicity tests, meaning it is safe to use in the company’s three target markets.
Researchers at Charles River Laboratories assessed for photo-toxicity (sensitivity to sunlight) and ocular toxicity (effect on eye cells).
Prior to that, SkinBiotix was found not to be cytotoxic, which in layman’s terms meant it didn’t kill cells it came in contact with.
Focusing on efficacy
"Since announcing that the SkinBiotix platform passed the key cytotoxicity test in October, we have been focusing on further proving its efficacy,” said Dr Catherine O'Neill, chief executive of SkinBioTherapeutics.
The company is focused on developing products and treatments that effect the portion of the human microbiome that resides on the skin.
This is a mix of bacteria, yeasts, and parasites that live on the body’s biggest organ. Sounds gross, but this microbial ecosystem is thought to be key to skin health.
READ: SkinBiotherapeutics readying for cosmetic cream launch after safety test success
Based on the work of CEO O’Neill at Manchester University, the SkinBiotix platform is protected by three patent families and 18 patent applications.
It is also supported by a host of peer-reviewed academic publications and has been developed to enhance the skin cell barrier, protect the skin and aid its regeneration.
As mentioned above, the firm is developing three products that manage, protect and restore the body’s outer layer.
First cab off the rank
First cab off the rank will be the company’s cosmetic for sensitive skin, which should be properly formulated towards the end of this year, before entering human studies in the second-quarter of next.
Going into development in the third-quarter of next year is a prophylactic for healthcare acquired infections.
The company hopes to begin commercialising the protective hand cream in 2020, the same year as work begins on an eczema treatment.
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The research and development group, which is focused on understanding the skin-based portion human microbiome, said it had made a number of key advances in recent months as it updated on the progress of its three programmes.
Human trials
Earlier this week SkinBioTherapeutics said it expects a study in people of a cosmetic skin care cream next year to be the start of ‘serious’ commercialisation talks.
Tentative discussions have already begun, said CEO O’Neill, but human data is crucial to the process.
“Human data is gold dust. The results of the study will spark a major value inflexion point from which we can start serious conversations about commercialisation.”
In the release Thursday, the company said it was confident of human studies getting underway next year.