Dermacia ups R&D into genes affecting skin aging
for skin care products, Dermacia is establishing a dedicated
biomedical research and development facility to increase its
capabilities related to specific genes affecting skin and skin
aging, reports Simon Pitman.
The company has been developing a technology that matches proprietary ingredients and complexes that are precisely matched to individual SkinPrint - something the company believes could revolutionize skin care treatments.
The company also announced that molecular and cell biologist and research scientist Dr Tannin Fuja will direct all scientific research for the National Genecular Institute, where the R&D facility will be based and currently extensive research is being carried out into nanotechnologies as well as molecular genetics of skin.
Dr. Fuja will spearhead the company's aims with its SkinPrint gene mapping technology as a platform from which to develop and market new individualized topical creams, sprays and other products, as well as customized therapeutic regimens.
"We believe that a focused research effort in this area will accelerate the introduction of more revolutionary products and will usher in the next generation of cosmeceuticals and skin care - where each person can get custom made, individualized products that are targeted only at their own skin's characteristics and susceptibilities, such as sun sensitivity, tendency to form wrinkles, predisposition to early aging or skin cancers," said Matt Nicosia, Dermacia CEO.
"In the near future, we expect each customer will be able to take a simple, self administered swab of their inner cheek, return it to National Genecular Institute, and within days receive customized products for them based on their personal DNA."
Established in 2000, the company already produces ingredients and complexes that are used to treat burn patients following surgery, and the move into the gene skinprinting technology is an extension of research already carried out in this field.
"We will be able to produce products that are so precisely matched to the individual's skin needs as to address even genetic skin factors of which the customer is unaware because the associated skin problems have not yet manifested themselves. This will give consumers the confidence that they are doing all they can for the health of their skin today, as well as applying the best available prevention for their particular skin problems of tomorrow," Nicosia added.
Dermacia claims to have coined the term 'Genecular' to refer to the emerging, leading edge science of functional human genetic research at the molecular level. Its mission is to facilitate biomedical research that is pursuing advances in identifying human genetic factors affecting the skin and formulating products and therapies to target issues specific to the individual customer, both for prevention and treatment.
Dermacia recently announced the introduction of a new line of specialized cosmeceutical products, augmenting its existing Lycogel line of camouflage makeup and other cosmeceuticals designed for post-surgery, post-treatment and dermatological conditions.
The new Breathing Beauty line of foundation, facial concealer, moisturizers and powders addresses the estimated 50 million people who cannot use traditional cosmetics due to sensitive skin conditions, including rosacea, acne, psoriasis, and eczema.
