SkinBioTherapeutics launches probiotic supplement to target psoriasis

The UK-based skin-health focused life science company will be launching the new supplement in Q4 of this year, under the brand AxisBiotix. Targeting the gut-skin axis​, the new supplement will contain Bifidobacterium animalis, Lactobacillus brevis, Lactobacillus reuteri, ​and Lactococcus lactis ​and will come in a powder format, to be mixed with water.

The launch comes off the back of a successful study, named BRIGHT. The study involved 267 participants, with 177 identifying as having psoriasis and other participants presenting a range of other skin conditions including acne and eczema.

Participants were given the product to be taken daily for 56 days, mixed with water. Using an app, they were able to share descriptions and photos of their conditions throughout the study as well as changes in their quality of life.

Stuart Ashman, CEO of SkinBioTherapeutics, says “We are delighted with the results of the study… 76% of all participants that completed the study saw a significant reduction in itchiness, 75% saw a reduction in redness, 73% saw a reduction in irritability and finally, 65% saw a reduction in flaky patches.”​

Psoriosis is an auto-immune condition for which there is no cure and it impacts 2-3% of the population – up to 125m people worldwide (National Psoriasis Foundation 2020).

The condition is usually treated on a reactive basis, after condition occur, using topical creams. This new product gives patients an opportunity to take a proactive/preventative approach.

Beyond the skin symptoms, the study also asked particpants about other areas of their wellbeing throughout the study and the results indicate the reduction in skin symptoms corresponded with improvements in energy levels, sleep quality, and mood.

Dr Jonathan Sheffield, senior medical advisor to SkinBioTherapeutics, adds “Psoriasis is not just a disease of the skin. It causes wide-spread systemic effects on the joints etc so anything that can reduce the symptoms would be a major advance in the treatment of psoriasis.​

“The outcomes reported by the participants in the BRIGHT study are incredibly promising, with 70% of the people seeing a major improvement in symptoms this is really exciting for the future of SkinBiotics.”​

The product will initially launch to the UK and US markets. The company is currently encouraging pre-registration for the product, on a subscription basis.