Wins Intelligent Formulation

RNS Number : 3170Y

Syntopix Group plc

21 December 2010

 



Press Release

21 December 2010

Syntopix Group plc

("Syntopix" or "The Group")

Syntopix wins challenge to develop new microemulsions for skincare products

Syntopix Group plc (AIM: SYN), the antimicrobial research company, is pleased to announce it has secured backing from Intelligent Formulation Ltd  for a 30 day international research challenge into formulation design for skincare products. Intelligent Formulation, which supports businesses involved in formulation, received over 20 proposals and selected just two applicants to support, including the Syntopix bid. 

Intelligent Formulation will fund the month-long project that will see Syntopix work with experts from across the globe to characterise microemulsions made from environmentally friendly surfactants, especially those used to make skincare cosmetics. It is hoped the resultant data will assist scientists to formulate new cosmetic, pharmaceutical and personal care products.

Just like commonly known emulsions such as paint and mayonnaise, microemulsions are a mixture of oil and water. However, unlike ordinary emulsions, microemulsions contain very small particles. This means they can be produced simply by mixing the components which results in crystal clear solutions. Commercially, microemulsions are extremely important, and can be found in foods, cosmetics and medicines as well as inks, lubricants and cleaning fluids.

Dr. Steve Jones, CEO of Syntopix Group plc said: "Taking part in this challenge is very important to Syntopix and I am pleased we have been selected. Formulating microemulsions can be problematic due to its trial and error nature and is made all the more difficult by the lack of physical parameters available to inform their design. Our research project will help determine some of these essential parameters to speed up selection of ingredients. "

Steve Jones continued, "The project will give our formulation work a huge boost and ensure we can develop products right first time, saving both time and money. We are delighted that our innovative approach to formulation has been recognised as important to the industry as a whole. "

Dr. Jim Bullock, Chief Executive of Intelligent Formulation commented: "All the assessors were very impressed with the Syntopix proposal because it will benefit not only their business, but also the wider formulation network from which we attract our members."

As part of the project Syntopix will be working with Professor Steven Abbott of the University of Leeds, Professor Edgar Acosta of the University of Toronto and will use the High Throughput capabilities of VLCI, in Amsterdam to efficiently screen a large range of surfactants.  Work on the research project has commenced and practical work is scheduled to finish in early January. Publication of surfactant parameters is planned for April 2011.

- ENDS -

For further information, please contact:

Syntopix Group plc
Dr Stephen Jones, Chief Executive Officer	Tel: [phone]
Sarah Gregory	www.syntopix.com
[e-mail]

Intelligent Formulation Ltd
Nicholas Marchetti	Tel: [phone]
[e-mail]	www.intelligentformulation.org

Media enquiries:

Abchurch Communications
Simone Elviss	Tel: [phone]
[e-mail]	www.abchurch-group.com

Notes to Editors: 

Intelligent Formulation Ltd 

Intelligent Formulation Ltd is a not for profit company set up by Yorkshire Chemical Focus Ltd, the Institute of Pharmaceutical Innovation and ParticlesCIC to deliver the Formulation Innovation Network.

The Formulation Innovation Network provides business benefits to companies involved in formulation by accelerating innovation and facilitating research and knowledge transfer across industry sectors to address future challenges and opportunities.

The Formulation Innovation Network is supported by Yorkshire Forward, the European Regional Development Fund and Solutions for Business. For further information, please see www.intelligentformulation.org.

Syntopix Group plc -Antimicrobial experts delivering consumer healthcare innovation

With a rich portfolio of new product opportunities Syntopix offers antimicrobial expertise to the cosmetic, consumer healthcare and pharmaceutical industries.

From concept generation to clinically tested technologies, Syntopix researches, develops and tests active ingredients for acne treatments, dental products, deodorants and antidandruff shampoos.

The Company was founded in 2003 as a spin-out from the University of Leeds by two of the world's leading experts in skin microbiology. Driven by an uncompromising desire to develop proprietary technologies that are proven to work, Syntopix employs robust science and has world class antimicrobial capabilities.

Syntopix has a growing library of over 3,000 compounds profiled for their antimicrobial activity. The company discovers novel uses for known compounds and combinations of compounds, which have established safety profiles. By uncovering new uses for existing compounds, Syntopix reduces the cost and risk of ingredient and product development.

Syntopix works with companies at all stages of the product development pipeline offering R&D solutions from ownable technology platforms through to tailored research. 

When it comes to topical antimicrobial innovation the Syntopix focus is simple: intelligent and specialised R&D input.

For further information, please see www.syntopix.com.

 

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