Symrise strikes up biotech partnership in the US

By Simon Pitman

- Last updated on GMT

Related tags Anti-ageing skin care Cosmetics Pharmacology

Germany-based active ingredients firm Symrise says it has acquired a 20 per cent stake in bioactive peptides specialist Theraputic Peptides (TPI).

The move secures the distribution rights for this type of highly advanced cosmetic active ingredient, as well as various derivative ingredients and the company’s transdermal delivery technology.

It will also give Symrise access to the company’s active ingredients, which in turn means it will be incorporated into is product portfolio and made available to its international customer base.

Riding the peptides wave

Peptides have become popular for their use as anti-microbials for a range of skin care products as well as being combined as an active ingredient in hair regrowth products.

However, where they have really come to the fore is in anti-ageing skin care formulations. Indeed, peptides have become so popular in anti-ageing products that they have been tipped as one of the hottest trends for 2008 by industry observers.

This forms part of an even wider trend for anti-ageing formulas with highly complex and effective formulations, including efficacy claims that are based on lengthy scientific research.

Ultra-scientific claim

According to Mintel market research analyst Nica Lewis, ingredients such as this are appearing in the new wave of anti-aging products characterised by ultra-scientific claims and medical or cosmetics surgery inspired marketing, according to Lewis.

“It is only just recently that peptides have been used in cosmetic products,”​ said Dr. Klaus Stanzi, president of Symrise’s Peptide’s scent & care division.

“With TPI, we have found a partner who is developing these ingredients at a scientifically exalted level and can offer ample expertise in this field,”​ he added.

TPI taps into new resources

Likewise, Louisiana-based TPI is also expected to benefit from the transaction because it will be able to tap into Symrise’s extensive research and development resources, as well as allowing the company to tap into its highly developed international distribution network

The move is the latest in a series of deals Symrise has struck with the aim of expanding the company’s presence in the cosmetics field.

Further evidence of this came at the beginning of the month when the company announced another partnership with California-based Bayliss Ranch to develop the distribution of a series of plant extracts that are certified organic as part of the USDA’s National Organic Program (NOP).

Bayliss Ranch uses a steam extraction process which captures the volatile aroma constituents of plants such as lavender, sage and peppermint.

Related topics Formulation & Science

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