Aqua Bio Technology ASA (ABT) has started to acquire the effect-, safety- and toxicity testing of the enzyme Zonase, required for new active cosmetic ingredients / cosmeceuticals.
A successful completion of these tests is by the leading international players within the Cosmetic industry, regarded as being a condition for entering into agreements for sale of Zonase for exfoliation purposes.
Exfoliation and peeling, i.e. the removal of dead skin, is an accepted principal to stimulate the growth of new skin cells and giving the skin a healthier look. As of today, the most common method used for this purpose is mechanic scrubbing as well as strong acids. The acids used today require extreme caution in use because of the risk of harming the skin. This makes effective use in cosmetic / cosmeceutical products more difficult.
Some of the safety- and toxicity studies are previously executed of ABT, but from the industry it has been demanded that these studies also had to be performed by independent, accredited laboratories according to the standard of the industry.
The following tests of Zonase have been performed; toxicity (Cytotox), mutagenic quality (AMES), eye irritation (Het Cam) and skin irritation (Single Patch).
The result of all the said tests is unambiguous: Even at very high concentrations of Zonase, there are no significant negative findings.
The Company has also conducted two effect studies on its own: One in vitro exfoliation study on live skin models, and another corresponding study where the exfoliation effect of Zonase at relevant blend is compared to the strongest concentration allowed of those Alfahydroxy acids that are used by the cosmetic industry for exfoliation purposes today.
Here too, the conclusions are clear: Zonase is very efficient in removing dead skin without harming living cells at all. In addition; Zonase in the relevant dilution removes dead skin cells with the same efficiency as the much used acids of today. Hence, Zonase is the first known product in the market that, with no proven side effects or special conditions of use, can be used in cosmetic / cosmeceutical products for exfoliation purposes. Also, Zonase is fully competitive when it comes to cost compared to existing exfoliation products.
Several of the leading international companies within the cosmetic / cosmeceutical industry, have asked for talks and negotiations regarding purchase of Zonase. Some of these have also performed their own testing of Zonase.
When it comes to the industry's demands for safety documentation there is only one report still not received. This is a study involving 100 persons for repeated testing of reactions to the skin following exposure of Zonase (RIPT).
A report from this last study is expected to be available by the end of May this year. Following this report, meetings with potential customers will be held, with the intention to enter into agreements for delivery of Zonase.
For more information, please contact Mr. Einar O. Vangsnes at +47 90 96 69 06 or e-mail einar@aquabiotechnology.com.