OptiBiotix Health invests £260,000 in joint venture company

LISTED life sciences busines OptiBiotix Health has sold the intellectual property to its skin health research to the University of Manchester.

SkinBiotix Limited will be 52% owned by York-based life sciences business OptiBiotix Health, following its £260,000 investment into the joint venture, with the remaining 48% owned by the University of Manchester and key researchers.

The agreement brings together the university’s intellectual property and research expertise in skin health with OptiBiotix’s microbiome modulating expertise and commercial focus.

SkinBiotix will create new products for skincare, health care acquired infections, eczema, psoriasis and wound care.

OptiBiotix said the JV agreement accelerates its plan of extending its Optiscreen and OptiBiotix technology platforms into new application areas.

Stephen O’Hara, OptiBiotix’s chief executive, said: “We believe this deal accelerates OptiBiotix’s strategic intent to grow the company by extending our platform technologies into new application areas where there is a large global need.

“This division is expected to create new partner and product opportunities, make a significant contribution to the group over the coming years, and help us to build a strong and sustainable business for our shareholders.”

Founded in 1993, the Centre for Dermatological Research at the University of Manchester is one of the leading dermatology research groups in the world with acknowledged expertise in psoriasis, photobiology, skin ageing, hair biology and more recently, in the manipulation of the microbiome for skin health.

The research carried out by the centre covers the full spectrum of translation and impact along the discovery-care continuum from basic science through to direct patient care.