Bayer partners with Azitra in skin microbiome research to develop natural skincare products

16 Jan 2020 --- Multinational pharmaceutical Bayer and Azitra, a clinical-stage medical dermatology biotech company, will partner in research to identify and characterize skin microbiome bacteria. The move seeks to uncover the skin microbiome’s potential in helping to develop skincare products for adverse skin conditions and diseases, such as eczema. The partnership will leverage Azitra’s proprietary panel of Staphylococcus epidermidis strains to identify potential treatment candidates. Based on the results of the research partnership, Bayer plans to develop selected Staphylococcus epidermidis strains into new natural skincare products under a future license agreement. 

“The skin microbiome offers a promising platform for the development and commercialization of natural skincare products that more and more people are looking for,” says Heiko Schipper, Member of the Board of Management of Bayer and President of Bayer Consumer Health.

“The collaboration targets adverse skin conditions and diseases. Prospective areas of application include beyond further medicated skin care products also therapeutic products for skin diseases. Bayer and Azitra will review potential screening options for beneficial strains appropriate for the treatment of dermatological diseases such as atopic dermatitis, acne or psoriasis,” Christina Bussfield, Global COM Business Partner R&D/Product Supply at Bayer, tells NutritionInsight.

“We are committed to the development of science-based consumer health products through our own research as well as external partnerships, we’re pleased to collaborate with Azitra. The company has already demonstrated tolerability of a selected Staphylococcus epidermidis strain in healthy volunteers and is now planning to start the clinical demonstration of efficacy,” Schipper adds.

The skin microbiome is an emerging area of research, with unexplored potential. Several major players have taken steps to uncover its secrets and harness its marketing potential for a more personalized approach to skincare. Givaudan Active beauty recently launched a profiling system that analyzes the microbiome and allows for personalized skincare formulations. Olay also launched a profiling system in 2017, which is based on the skin microbiome. Dubbed the Olay Skin Advisor, it offers tailored skincare recommendations. Most recently, L'Oréal released an at-home device that analyzes the skin microbiome and personalizes cosmetic applications.

Recent scientific publications suggest that microorganisms that make up the skin microbiome, can significantly contribute to the protection of the skin from hostile invasions. Additional positive effects include supporting the recovery from skin diseases such as atopic dermatitis, acne, and rosacea, and may also accelerate wound healing, according to Bayer.

Bayer, which is touted as a global leader in trusted skincare solutions, will actively contribute to the research collaboration by providing suitable topical formulations that are able to maintain Staphylococcus epidermidis viability while showing good skin compatibility and sensorial performance.

“We are strongly committed to the potential of the microbiome to provide significant benefits for improved skin health and appearance. By working together with Bayer, we can deliver on the promise of this technology,” notes Richard Andrews, President and CEO of Azitra.

Azitra’s versatile platform technology offers further screening options for beneficial strains appropriate for the treatment of dermatological diseases such as atopic dermatitis, acne or psoriasis. In addition, Bayer will review the use of Azitra’s genetically modified bacteria in dermatology and other consumer health areas such as nutritionals and digestive health.

Edited by Kristiana Lalou