Symrise invests in research into 'children of the night' skin disease

The skin malignancy also known as ‘Children of the Night’ disease is a genetic disorder where the body is either completely or partially unable to repair damage to its DNA from exposure to UVA/UVB radiation.

And according to Symrise experts, just a little bit of sunshine is enough to cause a reaction on the skin.

“Often, the patients suffer from skin cancer in early childhood. So far, only a few ineffective options have been found for protecting such patients from harmful sunlight. It is not yet possible to cure the disease​,” they explain whilst commenting on the venture.

The cosmetic manufacturer awarded the three-year grant to post-doctorate researcher Dr. Marc Majora from IUF to discover potential treatments, and reckons it is a prime company to be investing in this area as it has extensive experience in developing ingredients that protect consumers from UV radiation.

Upcoming webcast to reveal more about this venture…​

A press conference will be held to further reveal the details of the collaboration next week in Germany at the IUF's headquarters, however interested industry professionals can also tune in to the live webcast on September 26, at 11:00 a.m. to gain a better understanding of XP and pose any questions they may have.

Both organizations will comment on the background and the commitment to those affected with this disease, speakers present are to include Prof. Jean Krutmann, IUF Director, Dr. Marc Majora, Dr. Klaus Stanzl, President Life Essentials Symrise, and Dr. Marielle Le Maire, Global Product Director Life Essentials Symrise.

Recent flurry of investment in skin disease area​

As industry experts continue to call for research to be intensified into potential treatments for skin diseases and against sun and UV exposure, the segment has seen a flurry of investment from cosmetic companies like Symrise of late.

This week GSK announced it had been granted a ‘priority review’ from the FDA on the work it has been doing on a melanoma treatment, which if approved, will see for the first time, the dual use of ‘Tafinlar’ in the treatment of skin cancer.

By combining Tafinlar with Mekinist, which works in a different way, GSK say the hope is that the cancer will be held at bay for longer, and if approved, will be used to treat melanoma that cannot be removed by surgery or which has spread to other organs.

The company has revealed this week that the FDA has set a target date of Jan. 8, 2014 for the review of Mekinist and Jan. 9 for the Tafinlar supplement.