Results from its first human study show that SkinBiotix®, SkinBioTherapeutics’ technology derived from probiotic bacteria, is safe and well tolerated and has efficacy in certain age groups.

The skin, the body’s largest organ, is colonised by a diverse range of microorganisms which has to be managed for long-term good health. SkinBioTherapeutics’ patented technology is developing a range of products based on lysates - extracts of probiotic bacteria - which will help keep the skin healthier and treat certain conditions.

The study was primarily undertaken to show the effects of SkinBiotix® on the barrier of healthy skin. An important secondary endpoint was to show that the technology is safe and well tolerated in a large group of people (129) using it twice a day for an extended period of time (29 days).  

The results of this independent study demonstrate that the change in skin hydration and water loss are in line with expectations from laboratory studies which have shown that SkinBiotix® increases the levels of proteins within the skin that are crucial for a healthy barrier. The increase in skin hydration in the younger group at day 15 may reflect the ability of younger skin to respond to the SkinBiotix® faster than older skin. 

Measures of the barrier were then performed in all groups at 15 days and 29 days. The primary measures were Corneometry – a measure of how hydrated the skin is, and Transepidermal water loss  (“TEWL”) -a measure of water loss from the skin. A change to the barrier might be expected to be reflected in an increase in skin hydration or a reduction in TEWL. Some additional measurements of skin elasticity were also taken. 

These positive results follow the announcement, made in February, which detailed the £1.5 million investment SkinBioTherapeutics raised from its original investor Seneca. This investment will enable the company to further explore opportunities for its existing technology and support new areas of development.