SkinBioTherapeutics PLC (LON:SBTX) said a study of people suffering from psoriasis that received its immune system-modulating food supplement delivered results that exceeded expectations.
The findings from the assessment of AxisBiotix-Ps, developed in collaboration with partner Winclove Probiotics, will pave the way for a commercial launch of the product in the fourth quarter.
In all 91 people with the condition completed the 56-day self-managed consumer study with 76% of the group reporting their skin felt less itchy, and 75% saying it appeared less red.
A total of 73% reckoned their skin felt less irritable and 65% said they had fewer flaky patches. This all had a knock-on impact on energy levels, sleep and improved mood.
"The results have exceeded our expectations, with improvements across all the key markers for irritable skin conditions like psoriasis - from skin itchiness to redness and the level of flaky patches,” said professor Cath O'Neill, chief scientific officer of SkinBioTherapeutics.
“We have also received highly positive feedback from participants about improvements to their sense of wellbeing, such as being able to sleep better and pursuing activities they enjoyed before, such as painting, long walks and even wearing shorts, which they had given up because of their condition.”
The food supplement was developed by the company’s subsidiary, AxisBiotix, which, with Winclove, developed a powdered supplement specifically designed to modulate the immune system.
It did this by harnessing the gut-skin axis to address problems associated with sensitive skin conditions.
AxisBiotix is seeking regulatory approval for the product as a food supplement in the UK, US and Europe.
An update on commercial plans will be provided in the next three months, the company said.
“The next step for the company is to drive forward the commercialisation process in order to launch the product in Q4 this year,” said Stuart Ashman, SkinBioTherapeutics chief executive.
“Given this is a food supplement and as such needs to taken on a daily basis, we want customers to know that it will always be available to them, therefore, initially, we will be releasing subscriptions on a controlled basis to ensure a robust supply line. We therefore urge anyone interested in AxisBiotix-Ps to pre-register at www.axisbiotix.com.”