NEWS
New consumer study set to assess the
skin health benefits of a food supplement SkinBioTherapeutics, a life science company focused on skin health, has announced that AxisBiotix, a wholly owned subsidiary of the company, has commenced enrolment for its food supplement consumer study. Further to research exploring the relationship between the gut and the skin and the scientific evidence pointing to a link between gut dysfunction, stress-induced alterations to the gut microbiome and skin inflammation, the company has been working with Winclove Probiotics for the development of a blend of bacterial strains as a food supplement. A proprietary blend of bacterial strains has been specifically designed to balance the gut microbiome to address the over production of new skin cells often seen in aggressive skin conditions such as psoriasis. This is a debilitating skin condition caused by a malfunction of the immune system whereby raised plaques form on the skin, which can be flaky, scaly and itchy. There is currently no cure for psoriasis; therapies tend to be steroid based, which cannot be used long term and have side effects. The condition is common, with approximately 2% of the global population believed to suffer from psoriasis. With Winclove having completed formulation and manufacture of the supplement, and unable to initiate its clinic based human study due to the COVID-19 restrictions, the company has established a protocol for a self-managed food supplement study. The study, which will accept approximately 200 applicants, is now open for enrolment through the website www.axisbiotix.com. The
6
participants will be asked to take a powdered food supplement dissolved in a glass of water on a daily basis and the study will run for a total of 56 days (two x 28-day blocks). Thereafter the data will be collated and analysed to assess the impact the supplement has had on the health of the skin. The study is monitored through a mobile phone application with frequent questions for participants and the submission of photographs of affected areas taken using their smart devices. As such the study is not impacted by current COVID restrictions. The study will conclude before the end of April 2021 and the company expects to be able to report on the findings shortly thereafter. Subject to a positive outcome, the company will then target a commercial launch of the product during the course of 2021 and in parallel initiate a clinical study looking at specific markers. Stuart Ashman, CEO of SkinBioTherapeutics, said: “2020 was a year of transition for SkinBioTherapeutics with a focus on flexibility. We managed a smooth evolution from research into development, and proactively managed our way around the everchanging obstacles that the global pandemic continues to present. The preparatory work carried out last year has ensured that we remain on track with all our strategic and commercial goals as we move into 2021, where we expect to see significant progress across several of our strategic channels. The launch of the AxisBiotix website and the recruitment of candidates for our AxisBiotix-Ps study, as well as the ongoing progress made by Sederma with our skin care programme, heralds the start of our commercialisation drive.”
FEBRUARY 2021 // WWW.PHARMACOS.CO.ZA
Clement Blanc, managing director, DHL Global Forwarding, South Africa
DHL invests R126.5mn in new SA facility In a strategic move that reinforces its commitment to the country, DHL Global Forwarding is investing R126.5mn in a new facility in Johannesburg. Aimed at cementing its market-leading position in South Africa, the new 13 000m2 facility will be located within the bonded zone at Skyparks Business Estate – a hair’s breadth from OR Tambo International Airport. Clement Blanc, managing director, DHL Global Forwarding, South Africa said: “While it’s too early to fully grasp the economic impact of the current pandemic, our confidence in investing ahead of the curve is abetted by our diverse service portfolio and long-established foothold in Africa. As the world’s largest free trade area moves toward economic integration, our five-year strategy to sharpen our core business offerings and accelerate digitalisation will further our growth in the region and specifically, in South Africa.” Twice the size of its current set-up, this new facility will consist of a 10 000m2 warehouse that enables DHL to consolidate all its customers’ warehousing requirements. There will be an exclusive and specialised cold chain facility, which consists of three adjustable temperature-controlled refrigerators geared to handle the life science and healthcare products in and out of South Africa. The warehouse will also support other value-added services including cross-docking, storage for air, ocean and road freight services, and a platform for breakbulk cargo. “Custom-built to our world-class specifications and located in proximity to the airport, arterial thoroughfares and upcoming industrial parks, this new facility will be the game-changer for DHL in the country. We are well-poised to focus on delivering excellence to our customers as we surround ourselves with the critical infrastructure that is needed to enhance our productivity and efficiency,” added Blanc.
