Manchester University lands £600,000 grant to work on skin research
A grant of £600,000 will allow a specialist company to work alongside Manchester University on research into skin health.
SkinBioTherapeutics will work with the university on the project in a formal partnership.
The grant will provide funding for up to three years to investigate how ageing affects the skin and in particular, its microbiome.
In the stomach, it is currently understood that certain fibres can promote the growth of beneficial bacteria (called a ‘prebiotic effect’) but research is needed to determine how this principle applies to skin health and which molecules could be prebiotic for the skins microbiome.
The Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) awarded the grant to enable the University to carry out research which could lead to the development of new ways to improve the health of the skin microbiome during ageing.
It is hoped the research will support new approaches to prevent age-related skin conditions and promote long-term skin health.
Grant applications are extremely competitive and the award is a strong endorsement of the work of both the University and SkinBioTherapeutics.
SkinBioTherapeutics is supporting the programme as the industrial partner to further work in this exciting new area of the skin microbiome.
As industrial partner, SkinBioTherapeutics has first refusal on any IP generated by the project.
The company will be in a strong position to develop any relevant findings with the potential to extend its current portfolio of indications in skin health, anti-infection and repair.
Dr Catherine O’Neill, chief executive of SkinBioTherapeutics, said: “We have a long-standing relationship with the University, and I am delighted this will continue through this latest collaboration.
“It is testament to both teams that we have been successful with such a prestigious award.
“Unlike the gut, virtually nothing is known about possible prebiotics for skin. This study will provide the foundations for developing novel prebiotic treatments for aged skin.
“This work is very complementary to the work that we have already underway at SkinBioTherapeutics in skin care, anti-infection and repair.”
