Biotech startup SynFlora brought a compelling pitch for a new type of skin treatment technology to 4YFN at the MWC trade show in Barcelona this week. The Spanish startup, whose three co-founders all have Ph.D.s, is working to improve our understanding of the skin microbiome and improve skin care, with the goal of enabling new, more targeted treatments. We are working on manipulating microorganisms.
The basic idea is to provide treatment in a deeper way than topically applied creams, as is the case with the current generation of “active” skin care products, but at the same time use biotechnological methods that utilize bacteria. to design and design a broader range of treatments. Provide targeted treatments.
“We are creating the basis for new skin products that are no longer just molecules, but can be applied topically and therefore cannot enter the skin. This is truly like a molecular machine,” co-founders said Nastassia Knōdlseder, CEO and CEO. “Bacteria that travel within hair follicles, such as deep within the skin, and generate new hair follicles. [effects]”
The team's initial research “proof of concept” work has focused on acne, and they recently published a paper in Nature Biotechnology on an experimental treatment delivery approach (e.g., a skin microbial “sebum modulator” engineered in mice). (on testing) — but they envision this approach being applied to tackle a broader range of problems. This includes much more than what we think of as skin care.
According to Knōdlseder, potential use cases they mention could include mosquito repellent, fat loss (cellulite-busting cream anyone?), and even vaccines and anti-inflammatory treatments.
“For example, it could boost the immune system or develop a vaccine against melanoma,” she suggests. “Anti-inflammatory molecules may be produced.”
“We really think of this as a platform,” she added, confirming that the team has patented various charges for the technology and the platform itself. “We don't want to limit the use case to her one.”
According to Knorrsoeder, Synflora is still in its early stages and in the process of raising a seed round, prior to developing the technology, which will develop new bioengineered mechanisms to deliver therapeutics deep into the dermis. There is a clear need to satisfy regulatory authorities as to the safety and efficacy of the drug. It will reach the consumers.
However, the co-founders suggest that it could take one to three years to perfect a new system to enable a new generation of skin-delivered therapeutics.
