Discovering new substances to help protect human skin from UV radiation remains an ongoing challenge for the skincare industry, which is seeking the introduction of innovative, effective and competitive products.
What we're looking for
We are seeking new and novel materials that will provide UV protection when applied on human skin. The substance should not currently be recognized by any global regulatory agency as a sunscreen for drug or cosmetic products. Ideally, the substance would be naturally/sustainably sourced, work well in cosmetic formulations, and be reasonably effective at either absorption, reflection, and/or scattering of UV radiation.
Solutions of interest include:
Physical blockers (e.g. mineral-based compounds).
Oil-based and crystalline substances requiring solubilization.
Water-based polymers.
Our must-have requirements are:
Have reasonable scientific evidence to indicate adequate UVB and/or UVA protection when added to a finished formulation.
The substance should be safe for application on human skin or be set up to ensure safety for human dermatological use through safety and toxicology tests.
If the substance is a physical particle, the primary particle size should be larger than 100nm. Particles smaller than 100nm could also be considered under exceptional circumstances.
Our nice-to-have's are:
Demonstrate reasonable UV protection (5-10 SPF UVB units or boosted UVA) in a finished formulation. Tested results may be demonstrated in-vivo or per ISO 24444.
Be naturally and/or sustainably sourced.
Able to be scaled up to a manufacturing level for distribution of large volumes.
What's out of scope:
A substance should not currently be recognized by any global regulatory agency as a sunscreen for drug or cosmetic products as we are interested in a new substance.
A substance that primarily acts as an anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory or to reduce oxidative stress.
A substance that is animal derived.
Acceptable technology readiness levels (TRL):
Levels 3-6
What we can offer you
Eligible partnership models:
Sponsored research
Material transfer
Benefits:
Sponsored Research
Funding is proposal dependent, but an accepted proposal could expect support in the range of $25,000 - $100,000 (milestone dependent) with the potential for follow on funding.
Expertise
Partners will interact with a project lead to mutually develop a project plan and engage to ensure success. Partners will have access to experts as appropriate.
Q&A with the company
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Q.
Please confirm if we can use a protein which is not directly derived from animal source but from the silk which is produced by an animal and used in textile industry.
Yes, the inventor of the technology would retain IP. If the technology meets our objectives, licensing would be subject to mutually agreeable negotiation.
Team Member, Reviewer, Private Company
December 13, 2023
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Q.
We have patented encapsulated SOD and catalase that together with sunscreens protect human skin from nearly all reactive oxygen species created following sun exposure and other irritants. Would this be of interest?
Thank you for your question Gary. In this RFP we are looking for materials that are effective at either absorption, reflection, and/or scattering of UV radiation. Anti-oxidant technologies are not in scope for this current RFP.
Team Member, Reviewer, Private Company
December 13, 2023
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Q.
Has your team considered the biopolymer "chitosan" as an ingredient? We work with the US manufacturer of chitosan. https://patents.google.com/?q=(chitosan+skin)&oq=chitosan+skin
Thank you Charles for your question,
Unfortunately, animal derived technologies would be out of scope for this challenge. Thank you for your consideration.
Hello Charles, Fungal sources would be acceptable. Ideally the source of the fungi would be Nagoya compliant and also appear on the China List.
Thank you again for your consideration
Team Member, Reviewer, Private Company
January 11, 2024
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A.
Thanks! I suggest that, first, do screening with crab shell chitosan, and if positive, move into fungal chitosan. I don't believe there is a commercial source for fungal chitosan yet, your project could provide this impetus. I have a gut feel that chitosan could be a very useful component in your final formulation, but you have to deal with your regulatory restrictions. Best wishes for a successful project! CRS https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0141813016329294
Thank you, Please have them consider submitting a proposal regarding the fungal material.
Team Member, Reviewer, Private Company
January 23, 2024
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Q.
My associate in the chitosan industry suggests that you seek an agar extract or substance from kelp. That would maintain your regulatory compliance. CRS, DrPH, NeoChloris Inc.