SATT Nord and Pharm’Aging have signed an exclusive license agreement for the use of innovative molecules in dermo-cosmetics.
Certain harmful molecules (called AGEs and ALEs) derived from sugars or lipids accumulate in our bodies over time and cause the human body to age.
AGEs (Advanced Glycation Endproducts) are protein modifications induced by compounds resulting from the oxidative metabolism of carbohydrates. They play a major role in aging, particularly skin aging, and in certain associated conditions such as diabetes-related complications.
ALEs (Advanced Lipid Peroxidation Endproducts), meanwhile, are also protein modifications formed by reaction with compounds resulting from the breakdown of polyunsaturated fatty acids, and are involved in the worsening of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
Given the very serious pathological consequences, the development of molecules that inhibit or attenuate the formation of AGEs and ALEs was of considerable interest. No effective molecule preventing the formation of AGEs and ALEs had been developed until now.
As part of research conducted within a joint research unit of the French National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS) and Jules Verne Picardie University, a team of researchers composed of Mr. André SASAKI, Ms. Elodie LOHOU, Mr. Pascal SONNET, and Ms. Agnès BOULLIER has developed two new families of molecules with anti-AGE and anti-ALE effects with potential applications in cosmetics and the treatment of the side effects of diabetes and neurodegenerative diseases.
SATT NORD has financed the maturation of the project initiated by Dr. SASAKI more than 15 years ago, which has led to the filing of an internationally protected French patent in the names of the National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS), the National Institute of Health and Medical Research (INSERM), the University of Picardie Jules Verne (UPJV), and the Amiens Picardie University Hospital Center (CHU d'Amiens).
These families of molecules protected by this patent offer several competitive advantages for the development of a cosmetic ingredient:
• antioxidant activity at very low concentrations with greater efficacy than the market reference molecule (vitamin E),
• anti-glycation activity at very low concentrations with greater efficacy than the market reference molecule (carnosine),
• no toxicity.
Following these excellent results and the proven absence of toxicity, Pharm'Aging, led by Dr. Nicolas EL ROBRINI and incubated at IMPULSE (an inter-university incubator based in Marseille specializing in the commercialization of public research), signed an exclusive license agreement for the exploitation of this patent.
Pharm'Aging is a company specializing in aging, particularly in treatments that prevent skin aging. The company's business model consists of a dual approach:
• BtoB: initially, it will focus on continuing and completing the development of the patent's leading molecule in order to develop an innovative cosmetic ingredient with anti-aging properties. Beyond this innovation, Pharm'Aging offers manufacturers in the sector a new strategy for combating skin aging through the acquisition of this cosmetic ingredient/active ingredient as a raw material.
• BtoC: in a second phase, Pharm'Aging will integrate this ingredient into its range of cosmetics marketed under its own name and offered to individuals.
Finally, the establishment of industrial partnerships will enable the exploitation of other molecules (derived from the patent) that can be integrated into medical devices and/or developed as drugs for the treatment of diabetes-related complications (cataracts, atherosclerosis, etc.) and/or to prevent the worsening of neurodegenerative diseases (Parkinson's and Alzheimer's).
"The many years of research devoted to the development of new families of molecules with anti-AGE and anti-ALE effects, the reputation of the researchers in Amiens, and the strength of the international patent and its potential applications in cosmetics and health prompted me to contact SATT Nord. SATT Nord was receptive and attentive to my desire to capitalize on this research by creating a start-up to commercialize these innovations. SATT Nord agreed to demonstrate the non-toxicity of the molecules covered by the patent, which reduced the risk of the project prior to the creation of Pharm'Aging, thus confirming my decision to sign an exclusive license agreement with SATT Nord.The various account managers at SATT Nord listened carefully to Pharm'Aging's needs in order to reach an agreement that was satisfactory to both parties and enabled Pharm'Aging to get off to a good start. SATT Nord is therefore the leading partner in the successful launch of Pharm'Aging!
Dr. Nicolas EL ROBRINI – President and Founder of Pharm'Aging