Marine biotech firm inks another deal to develop marine microbes

The Scottish marine biotechnology company specialises in active ingredients from sustainably harvested from marine micro-organisms, whilst CABI has a focus on R&D and microbial services. These microbes can be used in personal care as anti-ageing ingredients, sun protection ingredients, antioxidants and natural preservatives.

The agreement between Aquapharm and the not-for-profit organisation will see both organisations share knowledge and resources, paving the way for the future commercialisation of a variety of microbial strains/extracts.

Knowledge and resource share​

"This collaboration recognises Aquapharm's position as a leader in the sustainable commercial exploitation of marine resources, and we are excited by the opportunities it will bring,”​ said Jon Williams, Aquapharm's business development director.

"We and CABI now have access to strains which were outside our own collections, and will also share know-how on the production and culturing of select extracts.​

As well as serving the personal care and specialty chemicals market, Aquapharm also serve the pharmaceutical and nutrition market, and Williams believes the partnership will maximise its opportunities to identify suitable compounds or active ingredients in the future.

Paul Bridge, CABI's Director of Bioservices, echoed Williams’ statement saying: "This agreement between Aquapharm and CABI will allow us combined access to a wide variety of strains that our researchers can use in the future development of products for the benefit of mankind and the environment."​

Sticking to its word​

The agreement is in line with what Aquapharm told CosmeticsDesign-Europe.com earlier this summer with regards to partnerships.

Back in July, the company signed a research and development agreement with specialty chemicals company Croda to develop a range of skin care products from marine microbes, and told us that they expected to sign further partnerships by the end of this year.

Building on an original agreement signed in 2008, Aquapharm’s new deal with Croda will see it work with the Yorkshire-based firm’s subsidiary Sederma to develop a new range of cosmetic products expected to be released in 2013.