Ei Licenses Sphingolipid Technology for Moisturization and Barrier Function Improvement

Posted: October 9, 2012

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In addition to improving moisture retention and barrier function, Gray has found that the molecule also improves elasticity of the skin.

Gray's research team is currently working on scaling up the synthesis of the active ingredient. In addition, they are working on refining the carrier system. He furthered, "Our next major milestone will be testing the technology in the carrier system and the impact that the carrier system has on the technology."

Gray expects to have the technology ready for the market in 18 months, at which point he believes it will compete with other moisturizing market leaders. Its use in topical formulations, however, will be dictated by his company's customer, and Ei is currently looking for a marketing partner to commercialize the technology.

Although the team is currently researching the sphingolipid's topical benefit in skin moisturizers, the agreement does not restrict their research to moisturizing applications. "We have the ability to approach different customers for other types of applications," he said, furthering, "We saw this as a unique opportunity to impact the moisturization market. We don’t know the full potential. The early data we have seen were very promising, and we would not want to limit the scope to a signature ingredient in a cosmetic."