Revolutionizing Skin Health with our Advanced Engineered Biotherapeutics

Descripción del proyecto

Bacterias artificiales: el futuro del tratamiento del acné

Los tratamientos cutáneos tradicionales suelen adolecer de una penetración escasa, mientras que los procedimientos invasivos y la resistencia a los antibióticos plantean importantes retos sanitarios. El equipo del proyecto SkinEngineering, financiado por el Consejo Europeo de Innovación, pretende resolver estos problemas utilizando bacterias cutáneas modificadas genéticamente («Cutibacterium acnes») para administrar productos bioterapéuticos directamente en los folículos pilosos. Estos microbios modificados segregan continuamente moléculas terapéuticas, lo que proporciona un tratamiento seguro y duradero. Más allá de la validación preclínica y reglamentaria, en el proyecto se aplicarán estrategias de biocontención de seguridad sólidas. Este método no invasivo ofrecerá una alternativa sostenible a los antibióticos, lo que abordará el reto mundial de la resistencia a los antimicrobianos y se dirigirá al mismo tiempo a un enorme mercado internacional del cuidado de la piel. En última instancia, el proyecto se centrará en perfeccionar una estrategia comercial para atraer inversores y socios farmacéuticos.

Objetivo

We have developed a ground-breaking patented technology that uses genetically engineered skin bacteria (C. acnes) to deliver biotherapeutics directly to the skin, offering safe, effective and long-lasting treatment for skin conditions such as acne. Our modified microbes continuously produce and secrete therapeutic molecules in the hair follicle, addressing the problems associated with invasive procedures and the poor transdermal penetration of traditional topical treatments.
Preclinical results from our previous EIC Transition project SKINDEV (coordinated by UPF), have demonstrated significant efficacy in reducing sebum and inflammation in vitro. Additionally, further studies have shown successful engraftment and safety in mouse models. The SkinEngineering project will advance our technology from proof-of-concept (TRL3) to preclinical and regulatory validation (TRL5), bridging the gap between promising research outcomes and the stage where we are ready to enter into commercial agreements with potential partners.
SkinEngineering will help us further refine our platform, complete preclinical studies and address regulatory and manufacturing aspects. We will also focus on ensuring the safety of our engineered bacteria, including robust biocontainment strategies. We have preliminarily validated the market fit of this effective and non-invasive therapy without adverse effects, confirming that it meets the needs of clinicians and patients in the €14 billion acne market. Our biotherapeutic also reduces the need for antimicrobial-based treatments, helping combat antimicrobial resistance, a key public health issue.
Our commercialization pathway involves launching a spin-off, Synflora, with SkinEngineering refining our business model and go-to-market strategy. Successful project outcomes will capture the attention of key stakeholders, e.g. investors, pharma/cosmetic companies and end users, boosting our company’s awareness and enhancing its investment readiness.