Member Info for AquaeSulis01

In theory, there should be nothing partner related to prevent a small paid for launch of sucrose derived sweetbiotix for shareholders to try as it is a new category not linked to either partner. However, as recent fund raises have included "funding a sweetbiotix launch" as one reason for their necessity, then the timing of any launch is likely linked to the fate of SBTX and its share price as surely a further sale of Opti's holdings will be necessary for it to go ahead

With just over 2 months to go to the end of H1, the sweetbiotix announcement investors will be interested in concerns the statement in the November 25 RNS update that "Subject to any partner constraints, the Company hopes to be in a position to demonstrate a range of SweetBiotix products to investors in H1 2026."

Not sure how you came to that conclusion Chief after all there is 5g of cane sugar that would be better replaced by sweetbiotix sucrose

Despite pessimism that zenakine wasn't once again front and centre at in-cosmetics 2026, neurocosmetics, and hence zenakine are very much alive and kicking. Worth a read of Croda's own Neurocosmetic piece where zenakine leads the mentions and also that the emergence of neurocosmetics as the next big trend was a key headline at In-cosmetics 2026 and we have no idea what discussions may or may not have taken place behind closed doors there.

https://www.crodabeauty.com/en-gb/trends/neurocosmetics

https://www.personalcareinsights.com/news/in-cosmetics-neurocosmetics-2026.html

Also, regarding all flavours of matrixyl, worth noting that matrixyl, like zenakine, only tackles fine lines not deep wrinkles, for that you need a strong retinol with the downsides that go with a quick fix leading to the EU capping the strength that can be used from 2027 and forcing reformulation. As regards taking sleeping pills, I imagine you have never suffered from long term sleep issues rebarm, otherwise you would appreciate the side effects of taking that course of action andappreciate it is not a realistic option. However, if you have no qualms about side effects, I guess you could take sleeping pills, use matrixyl and perhaps take valium to lift your mood to achieve the combined benefits of zenakine.

No that product does not contain zenakine net. No improved sleep claims and it contains live Lactobacillus Ferment not the Lactobacillus Ferment LYSATE

It has been marketed as a neurocosmetic, how VIPS choose to introduce it, whether as the sole active ingredient or in combination with other actives and the language used will be down to them and the end consumer they are targeting;

1. Gen Z (approx. 16–26)

Core appeal: Stress, burnout, emotional dysregulation, sleep disruption, and “skin mood” management.

Why Zenakine resonates

Gen Z reports the highest levels of stress, anxiety, and sleep disruption.

They respond to neuro‑wellbeing, mind–skin connection, and emotional beauty narratives.

They prefer science‑backed but soft‑wellness, not anti‑ageing.

Marketing approach

Positioning: “Skin‑mind reset”, “digital‑stress defence”, “skin mood stabiliser”.

Claims language:

“Improves skin’s response to stress”

“Supports better sleep quality via skin–brain signalling”

“Balances circadian rhythm for clearer, calmer skin”

Millennials (approx. 27–42)

Core appeal: Stress ageing, sleep debt, early signs of fatigue, burnout recovery.

Why Zenakine resonates

Millennials are the “burnout generation”.

They want efficacy + wellbeing, not just pampering.

They are early adopters of biohacking‑adjacent skincare.

Marketing approach

Positioning: “Anti‑stress ageing”, “sleep‑repair skincare”, “bio‑adaptive neurocosmetics”.

Claims language:

“Boosts melatonin production in the skin”

“Improves visible fatigue markers”

“Supports NAD⁺ and SIRT1 for youthful resilience”

Gen X (approx. 43–58)

Core appeal: Visible ageing, stress‑accelerated ageing, loss of firmness, dullness.

Why Zenakine resonates

Gen X is the most ingredient‑literate cohort.

They want clinically proven, multi‑pathway anti‑ageing.

They respond to stress‑ageing as a credible, science‑based concept.

Marketing approach

Positioning: “Reverse stress‑accelerated ageing”, “circadian rejuvenation”, “neuro‑restorative anti‑ageing”.

Claims language:

“Reduces stress‑induced collagen breakdown”

“Restores circadian rhythm for firmer, brighter skin”

“Improves emotional‑wellbeing markers linked to skin quality”

Boomers / 60+

Core appeal: Skin comfort, resilience, sleep quality, emotional wellbeing, barrier repair.

Why Zenakine resonates

This group is less motivated by “anti‑ageing” and more by comfort, vitality, and skin health.

They respond to gentle, non‑irritating, clinically validated actives.

Marketing approach

Positioning: “Comforting neuro‑soothing care”, “sleep‑supportive night repair”, “skin vitality and resilience”.

Claims language:

“Improves skin comfort and reduces stress‑related sensitivity”

“Supports overnight regeneration”

“Enhances skin’s natural repair signals”

The beauty of it is rebarm is that zenakine has been designed to use both night and day

https://www.crodabeauty.com/en-gb/formulations/formulation/8494-zenakine-clinical-studies-day-cream

Post 2.

Where Zenakine fits in a layer based routine

Zenakine is a Lactobacillus ferment lysate with a skin wellbeing / neuro soothing profile. Its mode of action is receptor level signalling, not chemical reactivity. That means:

• It does not require a specific pH

• It does not degrade in the presence of acids, retinoids, or peptides

• It does not compete for the same pathways as retinol or Matrixyl peptides

• It is biologically active but chemically inert in the formula environment

This makes it one of the easiest actives to place in a multi step routine.

📌 Optimal placement in a routine

If used with retinol

• AM: Zenakine

• PM: Retinol This is the most common pairing because Zenakine supports barrier comfort and reduces irritation signals.

If used with Matrixyl 3000

• AM: Zenakine + Matrixyl 3000 (same layer or separate)

• PM: Retinol (if used)

Zenakine and Matrixyl 3000 can be layered in any order because both are water phase, non reactive actives.

If used with vitamin C (ascorbic acid)

• Zenakine can go before or after; it is not pH sensitive.

If used with exfoliating acids

• Zenakine can be applied immediately after acids to help counterbalance irritation.

🧬 Why Zenakine is layer friendly (mechanistic view)

Zenakine’s activity is driven by:

• Microbial derived peptides and metabolites

• Skin–brain axis signalling (neuropeptide modulation)

• Barrier supportive cytokine balancing

None of these pathways rely on:

• Retinoid oxidation

• Peptide stability windows

• Acidic environments

• Chelation sensitive cofactors

So it avoids the classic incompatibilities that make retinol + peptides difficult to co formulate.

🧱 Practical layer architecture (example)

AM

1. Cleanser

2. Vitamin C (optional)

3. Zenakine

4. Matrixyl 3000 or other peptides

5. Moisturiser

6. SPF

PM

1. Cleanser

2. Zenakine (optional PM use)

3. Retinol

4. Moisturiser

Zenakine can be used twice daily without conflict.

🔍 Non obvious insight

Zenakine’s strongest role in a layered routine is retinol tolerance optimisation. Because it modulates neurogenic inflammation and supports barrier signalling, it can:

• Reduce stinging and tightness

• Improve adherence to retinol routines

• Allow higher strength retinoids to be used more comfortably

This makes it functionally similar to how brands position Neurophroline, but with a different mechanistic profile.

Saucy, one of zenakine's strengths is its ability to be used alongside just about any other active and indeed enhances the impact of that active. One of my earlier posts demonstrated the relative benefits associated with Matrixyl 3000, retinol and zenakine when tackling the impact of stress and ageing on the skin. I have dug a bit deeper and found that these actives are likely to be used in separate skin products as part of a daily routine rather than combining into one super product and here's why:

Post 1

User:

Are there any products for sale containing both matrixyl 3000 and retinol?

Assistant:

Short answer: Yes — but they are rare, and most mainstream brands avoid combining Matrixyl 3000 and retinol in the same formula because retinoids require low‑pH, low‑peptide‑interaction environments, while Matrixyl peptides are sensitive to destabilisation by strong acids and some retinoid carriers.

What the search shows:

Current retail listings do not show any widely distributed, in‑market products that explicitly list both Matrixyl 3000 (Palmitoyl Tripeptide‑1 + Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide‑7) and retinol together in the same INCI list. This is consistent with the way brands typically formulate — peptides and retinoids are usually separated into different serums or used in alternating routines.

However, some boutique or lesser‑known brands occasionally market “peptide + retinol” blends, but they usually use generic peptides, not Matrixyl 3000 specifically. No verified, widely sold product surfaced in the search that contains both actives.

Why this combination is uncommon

- Retinol requires stabilisers and solvents (e.g., ethanol, glycols, encapsulation systems) that can reduce peptide stability.

- Matrixyl peptides are pH‑sensitive, and retinol formulas often drift acidic or require specific emulsifier systems.

- Brands prefer layering: peptides in the morning, retinoids at night, to avoid interaction and maximise efficacy.

Practical options if you want both actives

1. Layering (most common and effective)

- Night: Retinol serum

- Morning: Matrixyl 3000 serum

2. Alternating nights

- Night 1: Retinol

- Night 2: Matrixyl 3000

3. Use a peptide‑rich moisturiser over retinol

- As long as the peptide product does not contain Matrixyl 3000 specifically, this is common and safe.

User:

Would zenakine fit into a layer approach?

Assistant:

Yes — Zenakine fits extremely cleanly into a layered routine, and in fact it behaves better in a layered approach than Matrixyl 3000 or retinol do, because its lysate‑based mechanism is non‑pH‑dependent, non‑reactive, and compatible with both peptides and retinoids.

Zenakine layers effortlessly with retinol, peptides (including Matrixyl 3000), niacinamide, vitamin C derivatives, and moisturisers because it has no pH constraints, no charge‑based interactions, and no destabilisation risks.

Zenakine is not a competitor to Matrixyl peptides or retinol.

It occupies a new category: neurocosmetic + chronobiology + stress‑ageing repair.

Where peptides rebuild collagen and retinol resurfaces the epidermis, Zenakine repairs the conditions that cause ageing:

cortisol damage

circadian disruption

low NAD⁺

low melatonin

poor sleep

emotional stress

barrier breakdown

This is why Zenakine shows benefits that peptides and retinol cannot touch.

Yes mol it was both an entertaining but informative debate that concluded zenakine belonged in a different category from matrixyl. For what it is worth I have run the following comparative analysis to include the new matrixyl:

Comparison of Zenakine™, Matrixyl 3000, Matrixyl Neolide, and Retinol

Summary

- Zenakine™: Postbiotic neurocosmetic improving sleep, wellbeing, stress-ageing, melatonin, circadian rhythm, NAD+, SIRT1, barrier repair, and ECM regeneration.

- Matrixyl 3000: Collagen-signalling peptide duo improving wrinkles, firmness, and dermal matrix with high tolerability.

- Matrixyl Neolide: Next-generation matrikine improving collagen quality, ECM architecture, inflammaging, and dermal resilience.

- Retinol: Vitamin A resurfacing active improving wrinkles, pigmentation, and acne but with irritation and barrier disruption.

Mechanisms of Action

Zenakine™

- Postbiotic extract of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG.

- Increases melatonin production in fibroblasts and keratinocytes.

- Downregulates PER1 and PER2; restores CRY2 oscillation.

- Boosts NAD+/NADH ratio and ATP production.

- Stimulates SIRT1 expression.

- Enhances barrier proteins and ECM components.

Matrixyl 3000

- Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 + Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7.

- Stimulates collagen I, III, IV and GAGs.

- Reduces low-grade inflammation.

Matrixyl Neolide

- Improves collagen quality and ECM architecture.

- Strong anti-inflammaging activity.

- Enhances dermal density and fibroblast vitality.

Retinol

- Converts to retinoic acid; binds nuclear receptors.

- Increases cell turnover and collagen synthesis.

- Reduces pigmentation and acne.

- Causes irritation and barrier disruption.

Benefit Comparison

Zenakine™

- Immediate emotional relaxation.

- Reduces stress index.

- Improves sleep duration and quality.

- Reduces residual tension and expression wrinkles.

- Restores circadian rhythm.

- Increases NAD+, ATP, and SIRT1.

- Strong barrier repair: filaggrin, involucrin, corneodesmosin, ZO-1.

- ECM regeneration: collagen I +36%, collagen IV +67%, fibronectin +20%, laminins +26%.

Matrixyl 3000

- Improves wrinkles and firmness.

- Stimulates collagen and GAGs.

- Gentle and well tolerated.

Matrixyl Neolide

- Stronger wrinkle reduction than Matrixyl 3000.

- Improves ECM organisation and collagen quality.

- Strong anti-inflammaging.

Retinol

- Strongest for pigmentation, acne, and texture.

- Strong wrinkle reduction.

- High irritation potential.

Unfortunately, I don't believe the instagram post is anything to do with zenakine net. Happybelle-PE appears to be a "competitor" ingredient that has been linked by the poster to zenakine as both are in the space of mood enhancement whilst fighting ant-aging.

" Happybelle-PE contains a phyto-endorphin complex that is based on monk’s pepper and is known for its mood enhancing activity. In combination with both antioxidant and moisturizing factors it successfully fights against all signs of aging."

https://mibellebiochemistry.com/happybelle-pe

Net, taking your points one by one: Firstly,

it will need trials to take it forward and SBTX will certainly look for a partner, and who better than Croda who have a range of suncare ingredients to blend this in with. Secondly, Prof Cath O Neil has told you it does work and there is no other ingredient out there to address PLE so the patent has commercial value. Finally, whilst it probably will take a partner 5 years to bring it to market, Croda know the value of the work carried out by Cath, and if they weren't already considering a bid for SBTX, the thought of paying millions in royalties over a number of years for another blockbusters active, may well tip their hand, so it may not take years for the value of this patent to be reflected in the share price.

Looks like the next big thing for SBTX in the pipeline with today's SBTX Patent published on the US Patent Database (search on skinbiotherapeutics)

Inflammation Study: looking at how the microbiome can influence and balance the body's response to inflammation specifically related to harmful UVR (sunlight) light. The programme ran until June 2025.

Patent US 2026/0097086 A1

PLE is observed in 20-30% of the northern European and U.S. population (places where frequent sun expоsure is uncommon) and 10 to 20% of the population elsewhere, with females being affected more than males. It generally affects patients by the age of 30 with a median age range between 20 and 40. The problem is more common in countries with temperate climates like those of Europe and America, generally from the onset of spring through summer. PLE is most likely related to an immune system reaction in the skin of certain people, more commonly with those having a fair skin. Evidence of PLE has also been found in northern regions of China, and Australia. Current data suggests that the development of photodermatoses like PLE may be related to excess expression of TH1 and suppression of TH2 responses. There is no proven therapy to help alleviate skin disorders like polymorphic light eruption (PLE) to date although calamine lotions, topical steroid creams containing corticosteroid, hydrocortisone and hydroxychloroquine along with some regular itching medicines are currently used with limited efficacy. [0009] There is currently no effective treatment for PLE with the majority of therapies and compositions designed to alleviate the symptoms rather than to treat or prevent the condition itself. For at least the reasons set out above there is a need to develop compositions, therapies and methods to prevent and/or treat and/or ameliorate PLE and skin conditions caused by skin exposure to UV

The present invention relates to a composition comprising a heterotrophic skin bacterium and/or heterotrophic skin bacterial extract for use in the modulation of cytokine expression in a skin cell. The composition is particularly suited for use in the prevention and/or treatment of skin damage caused by UV light and use in treating skin conditions such as polymorphous light eruption (PLE).

https://ppubs.uspto.gov/basic/

Whackery, you need to appreciate where the £6.2M forecast for 2026 came from; the Singer note:

2025 Financials Revenues On a Group basis, revenues are expected to increase 223%/22%/32% to £5.1m/£6.2m/£8.2m in FY25E/FY26E/FY27E respectively. This steep acceleration in revenues is driven by the positive impact of the recent acquisitions (Dermatonics/BTS) in the near-term, and thereafter the potential transformational impact of both the Croda and Superdrug commercial agreements in the medium to longer term. We do not split out our forecasts at this stage, given the lack of historical performance figures and await the FY25 trading update and results which should offer an opportunity to add additional detail.Gross profit We assume a FY25E gross profit margin of 56.9%, with gross profit therefore expected to be £2.9m. The lower margin profile vs FY24 reflects the change in product sales mix post acquisitions.We assume an uplift in FY26E gross profit margin to 63.9%, reflecting an improved sales mix, and Croda royalties which drop through to the bottom line, with gross profit therefore expected to be £4.0m. We assume a further uplift in FY27E gross profit margin to 69.8%, with gross profit therefore expected to be £5.7m reflecting an improving revenue mix from higher margin Croda royalties"

In other words Singer expected (correctly as it transpires) no Croda royalty contribution in 2025 and then first contributions in 2026. Including the incorrectly accrued Croda Royalties, revenue still missed expectations, without out them we can see how big the miss was as a result of the Acquisitions and Axisbiotix missing targets. SA was only able to say he expected 2026 targets to be met because of reported late orders and his mistaken expectation more Croda royalties for 2026 would prop up any shortfall from the under performing other parts of the business, that is why a material revenue miss statement has been issued by the Board.

Net, with apologies but you ask some very naive questions. Zenakine works, i have been one of the fortunate investors able to try it. What's more, we can see courtesy of Toyin, that Croda are visibility increasing the formulations using it rather than decreasing. It is novel in that it using relaxation via melatonin, to achieve visible wrinkle reduction, and we still have the untapped medical, cleanbiotix and pharmabiotix to come; perhaps the new CEO can actually advance those negotiations!

Axisbiotix in Superdrug also opens up additional opportunities, like you I have been tracking the Daily Mail articles and picked up on a full page spread including photos of a young lady impacted by psoriasis for whom no other treatment had worked and forwarded on to SBTX IR and received the following promising response:

"Good Afternoon,

Just read an article in today's Dail Mail where Sophie has obviously tried a number of products to try and alleviate her psoriasis without success and has learnt to live with the condition. Surely has this has been given a one page spread in today's Daily Mail and Sophie has her own Instagram and TikTok @sophies_skin, an opportunity to offer her axisbiotix-ps to try which could result in great publicity?

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/lifestyle/fitness-wellbeing/article-15661655/psoriasis-cruel-countless-treatments-really-works-ringworm-health-doctors-rash.html"

"Thank you for your email and great spot. We have passed your email onto the customer services team for AxisBiotix.

With kind regards,

SkinBioTherapeutics IR team"

Letitrun " With SBTX holding still worth £1.25m and if suspension lifts end of this month with no bad surprises that holding should increase in value further for a nice top up later this year." Opti will need to sell SBTX shares before June in order to avoid a qualification on their Accounts I suspect. Now as a SBTX holder I will be delighted if immediately following suspension the sp has reason to rocket, but may well take a little longer and that is time Opti does not have as the shareholders have removed the option of an equity raise and PBX remain illiquid

A strategic shift that has been forced on him shychap following last year's agm vote and the loss making nature of his business "Resolution 5, a Special Resolution which sought to give the Directors power to issue new ordinary shares for cash other than to the Company's shareholders on a pro rata basis, was not passed.".

£1M in cash as at Dec 25. 3 m onths on probably nearer £400K at £200k per month cash burn

The Interview

So Stuart let’s hold a Situation, Task, Achievement, Result (STAR) interview to get to the bottom of this.

AS - Tell me all about your role with the launch of Axisbiotix

SA

– Situation, Prof Cath O Neill following a discussion with Winclove came up with a formula to treat Psoriasis, I then took that idea forward.

-Task, in the difficult era of COVID I arranged a remote Study involving 200 volunteers using a mobile app they could use from home, and sent the product to them to test the efficacy of axisbiotix-ps

-Achievement, The product improved the skin condition of nearly all the candidates, some dramatically so, and we subsequently launched the product

-Result, We have increased sales of Axisbiotix-ps year on year with high retention rates

AS

OK, but I have looked at the actual financial returns of the product and discovered 4 years worth of revenues total just £734,818 and when I take the cost of sales and value of the inventory written off, the nett gain over 4 years is just £161,815.

AS

But..

SA

No I don’t want to hear anymore, lets move on to the acquisitions

SA

-Situation, I came up with a strategy to seek accretive inorganic opportunities that provided immediate synergies and accelerated routes to market

-Task, To buy family owned Businesses where the Owner was looking to retire that met the strategic aim

- Achievement, I found and purchased Dermatonics with established products for sale with the NHS and in retail outlets and also a manufacturer in BTS

-Result, Combined revenues are now £3.87M

AS

Yes, however, you were forecasting combined revenues of £5.3M originally just from Axisbiotix-ps, Dermatonics and BTS. Also, you appear to have turned two independently profitable Companies into Break-even entities despite apparently delivering synergies.

SA

But…

AS

No, I don’t want to hear anymore, let’s turn to your final achievement, Croda

SA

- Situation, Croda were interested in taking Skinbiotix forward and Commercialising it.

- Task, negotiate Commercial terms with Croda and sign-off on a Contract

- Achievement, Contract with Croda negotiated and signed-off

- Result, a Contract delivering double digit royalties in place

AS

So looking back through the RNS’s, first revenue was expected 2022 and yet despite the launch at In-Cosmetics in 2025, revenues have yet to arrive and what’s more the terms of the agreement and the ability to track progress appear muddled and difficult to interpret resulting in a reversal of accruals from the 2025 Accounts.

SA

But…

AS

No, I don’t want to hear anymore, I am ready to make my decision

SA

I better collect my things then

AS

Wait; You’re Hired

SA

Hired, wow really?

AS

Nah, April Fool!