Skinbiotherap. Regulatory News (SBTX)

08 April 2021

SkinBioTherapeutics plc

("SkinBioTherapeutics" or "the Company")

New research programme initiated with University of Manchester 

SkinBioTherapeutics plc (AIM: SBTX), a life science company focused on skin health, announces that it has initiated a research programme with the University of Manchester ("the University") to investigate and develop microbiome formulations that support natural anti-inflammatory response to a range of environmental challenges. Expanding the collaboration with the University was one of the areas of investment laid out by the Company when it raised funds via placing and open offer in October 2020.

The programme, which will run for two years, will focus on how the microbiome can influence and rebalance the body's response to inflammation in skin health and skin disease. The immune system, as the body's biological defence system, is able to recognise potentially damaging agents, remove them and trigger repair. Inflammation is a key component of this immune response. However, immune response can sometimes become overstimulated and this can lead to chronic inflammation which is characteristic of some skin diseases e.g. atopic dermatitis, acne and rosacea. Prolonged inflammation is also associated with chronic, non-healing wounds.

The microbiome, which is known to be linked with the inflammatory process, its activation and control pathways, offers a potential route to supporting the natural immune inflammatory response within products such as sunscreens. In February 2019, the US FDA issued guidance to remove two common ingredients from cosmetics and sunscreens (aminobenzoic acid and trolamine salicylate), and is in the process of evaluating further safety data on 12 other widely used ingredients, with many of the chemicals detected on the skin and in blood weeks after application1, 2. This has created a need within the sunscreen and cosmetics industries for more naturally derived ingredients that could support the body's immune inflammatory response to different environmental challenges.

Working with the translational dermatology team at Manchester University, SkinBioTherapeutics has already identified a number of inflammatory pathways of interest, and routes to target these pathways with microbiome-derived regulators. Subject to a positive programme outcome, the Company intends to pursue commercialisation of any identified bacterial formulations through their addition to existing third party products or the development of new products targeted at specific conditions.

Stuart Ashman, CEO of SkinBioTherapeutics, said:

"This research programme with the University of Manchester aims to widen our understanding of the role that the microbiome plays within the immune system, and how it can be used to support the body's natural immune response. Similarly to our approach with the AxisBiotix food supplement, we hope to eventually bring immune-supporting microbiome formulations to market through everyday products, such as skin lotions and creams, where we see an increasing consumer preference for natural ingredients. This is an exciting new area of research for us and has the potential to broaden our skin health pipeline further."

Prof Cath O'Neill, CSO of SkinBioTherapeutics said:

"There is now an extensive growing body of research demonstrating direct links between the microbiome and the immune system, and consequently skin health. The Company is in the middle of a food supplement study and the potential modifying effect on skin conditions, such as psoriasis. However, with this new line of research, we have the opportunity to assess the powerful effect of the microbiome on the immune system and skin health."

-Ends- 

The information communicated within this announcement is deemed to constitute inside information as stipulated under the Market Abuse Regulations (EU) No. 596/2014 and has been arranged for release by Doug Quinn, CFO of the Company. Upon the publication of this announcement, this inside information is now considered to be in the public domain. 

1. https://www.fda.gov/media/124654/download2. https://www.ewg.org/sunscreen/report/the-trouble-with-sunscreen-chemicals/ 

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About SkinBioTherapeutics plc

SkinBioTherapeutics is a life science company focused on skin health. The Company's proprietary platform technology, SkinBiotix®, is based upon discoveries made by Prof. Catherine O'Neill and Professor Andrew McBain.

The Company has demonstrated, through scientific testing, that the SkinBiotix® platform can improve the barrier effect of skin models, protect from infection and repair wounds. Proof of principle studies have also shown that the SkinBiotix® platform has beneficial attributes applicable to each of these areas. The technology achieved positive results in clinical studies in human volunteers in early 2019.

The Company listed on AIM in April 2017 and is based in Manchester, UK. For more information, visit: www.skinbiotix.com.