Singapore: Phylogica licensed its anti-aging, skin-repair Phylomer peptide, PYC35, to Le Métier de Beauté for use in cosmetic products in the US, UK and Hong Kong markets. Le Métier will use PYC35 in its premium range of Peau Vierge anti-aging creams that will be commercialized initially across the US through department stores such as Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman and Nordstrom.

Le Métier is responsible for all future costs including formulation, manufacturing and marketing. Phylogica will receive a significant royalty on all sales of Le Métier's cosmetic products that contain PYC35. Phylogica retains all pharmaceutical rights to PYC35.

The Phylomer peptide PYC35 derives from the genome of a microorganism known as Pyrococcus horikoshii, that belongs to an ancient kingdom of life that evolved billions of years ago. This thermophilic species dwells in undersea volcanic vents and can endure extreme environmental conditions such as high pressure and high temperature. In these environments the pressure is about 200 atmospheres with temperatures of nearly 100°C.

The properties of the PYC35 peptide reflect some of the unique characteristics of its host species. In preclinical models of dermal wounds, UV radiation damage and severe skin burns; PYC35 showed potent skin-repair activity. For example PYC35 significantly improved the process of wound healing in a well-validated model of severe skin burns. The potential cosmetic applications of PYC35 include use in treatments to repair skin following sun or thermal damage and in a rejuvenating serum to reduce skin damage from long-term environmental exposure to UV.

Dr Paul Watt, CEO, Phylogica, said that, "We are delighted to have licensed our PYC35 peptide to Le Métier de Beauté as an active ingredient in its high-end range of cosmetics. Given the exotic habitat of Pyrococcus which dwells in the harsh environment of undersea vents, it is intriguing that a peptide derived from that organism's genome has potential in repairing burn injuries and preventing long-term skin damage such as scars."