New Test Methods for Cosmetic Ingredients: Symrise and Cutech Receive Patent for Skin Model

• European patent granted
• Joint development by Symrise and Cutech
• Efficient preclinical testing method

Holzminden, Germany - September 28, 2011
Symrise and Cutech have jointly developed an ex vivo real skin model that provides conclusive information on the efficacy of, for example, anti-aging products. The model bridges the gap between in vitro and in vivo testing. Symrise and Cutech have now received a European patent for it.

The requirements and the economic parameters involved in the development and marketing of new products are continually growing and changing. Thus, it is of pivotal importance to demonstrate the efficacy of new care products and describe their mechanisms of action before starting complex and costly clinical testing.

For this reason, Symrise AG and Cutech Srl. (Italy) established a joint research alliance. The result: one of the most comprehensive ex vivo human skin models to date – one that bridges the gap between in vitro and in vivo testing. The model allows for conclusive tests of e.g. anti-aging, skin whitening, and anti-cellulite products.


Traditional skin models used for test series only comprise the outer skin layers, epidermis and dermis. The new model now also includes subcutaneous tissue as well as hair follicles, thus offering greater efficiency and numerous additional testing possibilities. For example, the new model permits more accurate predictions of long-term effects in humans. The model is patented in Europe and enables high-quality, validated screening of individual raw materials as well as finished products for skin care.

This new model expands the methods available for skin and hair follicle tests that both companies use for product development. Via "SCoutech" – a screening service offered by Symrise and Cutech for in vitro and ex vivo testing methods – other companies can also utilize the model for their own developments.

Dr. Paolo Pertile, Cutech’s CEO, explains: "The potential for developing new products, especially from natural sources, is still extremely high. We have always been convinced that a key competitive factor is the development of the most appropriate screening technologies. With this project, by taking advantage of our experience with skin tissue engineering we have set up a preclinical screening model which we consider to be the most representative of the in vivo environment. To make full use of this model, we apply the most informative and pragmatic cellular and molecular read-out parameters."

Dr. Gabriele Vielhaber, Senior Vice President of Life Essentials at Symrise, adds, "Together with suitable partners, we are constantly looking for new technologies to advance our development work of active ingredients for cosmetic products. Together with Cutech, we have developed a reliable testing procedure for ingredients and formulas. Using this, downstream clinical testing can be targeted more accurately. SCoutech customers receive relevant results quickly and efficiently. This is where our expertise lies – in the development of technologies that set industry standards."


About Symrise
Symrise is a global supplier of fragrances, flavorings, cosmetic raw materials and active agents as well as functional ingredients. Our customers include perfumeries, cosmetic and food manufacturers, the pharmaceuticals industry as well as producers of nutritional supplements.

Its sales of € 1.572 billion in fiscal year 2010 place Symrise among the top four in the international flavor and fragrance market. Headquartered in Holzminden, Germany, Symrise is represented in more than 35 countries in Europe, Asia, the United States, and Latin America.

Together with its customers, Symrise develops new ideas and marketable concepts for products that have become an indispensable part of everyday life. At Symrise we combine an awareness of consumer trends with cutting-edge technologies, focusing on developing innovative trend and lifestyle products that have addi-tional practical value for the consumer. Symrise – always inspiring more…

More Information:
www.symrise.com



About Cutech
Cutech is an Italian biotech company that operates in the fields of hair and skin disorders.

Since inception, Cutech has focused on a major problem that significantly precludes the development of really effective skin and hair drugs and cosmetics: the lack of scientifically and clinically convincing pre-clinical screening as-says. Cutech's research activity aimed to fulfil this unmet need by developing innovative screening and testing systems with high predictive value in humans, specifically designed to replace animal testing.

By taking advantage from this unique screening platform, Cutech is engaged on the discovery of innovative actives to be exploited in the cosmetic and nutraceutical business sectors, as well in the provision of screening service to third parties. The described activities, that have been performed either individually or in the context of co-development agreements, have allowed the company of growing a solid reputation within the targeted business sectors.

More Information:
www.cutech.it



About SCoutech
SCoutech is a joint venture of Cutech and Symrise. The biotechnology company Cutech focuses on developing highly informative testing methods that offer an alternative to animal testing. Symrise has comprehensive experience in developing and manufacturing innovative raw materials and substances for body care as well as the food and pharmaceutical industries. The joint venture combines the expertise of both partners and aims to provide customers with solutions that test both the efficacy and the mechanisms of action of their products.