Revolutionizing Skin Health with our Advanced Engineered Biotherapeutics

Description du projet

Bactéries modifiées: l’avenir du traitement de l’acné

Les traitements traditionnels de la peau pâtissent souvent d’une mauvaise pénétration, tandis que les procédures invasives et la résistance aux antibiotiques posent des problèmes de santé importants. Le projet SkinEngineering, financé par le CEI, entend résoudre ces problèmes en utilisant des bactéries cutanées génétiquement modifiées (Cutibacterium acnes) pour délivrer des biothérapies directement dans les follicules pileux. Ces microbes modifiés sécrètent en permanence des molécules thérapeutiques,pour un traitement sûr et durable. Au-delà de la validation préclinique et réglementaire, le projet va déployer des stratégies rigoureuses de confinement biologique. Cette approche non invasive offrira une alternative durable aux antibiotiques, apportant une réponse au défi mondial que représente la résistance aux antimicrobiens tout en ciblant un vaste marché international des soins de la peau. Le projet concentrera également ses efforts sur l’affinement d’une stratégie commerciale visant à attirer des investisseurs et des partenaires pharmaceutiques.

Objectif

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.