In the bustling halls of 4YFN at the MWC tradeshow in Barcelona, a Spanish biotech startup called SynFlora unveiled a groundbreaking concept for skin treatment technology. Led by three PhD-holding co-founders, SynFlora aims to revolutionize skincare by harnessing the power of skin microbes.
Their vision is to go beyond the limitations of topical creams and develop targeted, novel therapeutics by engineering skin microbes. This approach promises deeper treatment penetration than traditional skincare products, enabling a wider range of applications.
“We’re creating a new foundation for skin products, not just molecules that can’t penetrate the skin,” explains co-founder and CEO Nastassia Knōdlseder. “It’s like a molecular machine, a bacteria that can travel deep into the hair follicles and produce new effects.”
SynFlora’s initial focus is on acne, and they’ve already published a study in Nature Biotechnology demonstrating the effectiveness of their experimental treatment delivery approach in mice. However, they envision a much broader range of applications, including mosquito repellents, fat loss treatments, vaccines, and anti-inflammatory therapies.
“We can potentially trigger the immune system or create vaccines against melanoma,” Knōdlseder explains. “We can also produce anti-inflammatory molecules.”
SynFlora’s platform technology has the potential to transform skincare and beyond. With patents for various indications and the platform itself, the startup is poised to make a significant impact.
Currently, SynFlora is in the early stages of development and is seeking funding through a seed round. They anticipate that their novel system could power a new generation of skin-delivered therapeutics within one to three years, pending regulatory approval.
SynFlora’s innovative approach to skincare is a testament to the power of biotechnology in unlocking new possibilities for health and wellness. Their work holds the promise of revolutionizing the way we treat and prevent a wide range of skin conditions and beyond.