DNAPrint getting into cosmetics business
Article published Mar 7, 2003
SARASOTA -- Imagine being able to determine from your saliva whether your skin is likely to age early, then buying personalized cosmetics that would slow the process.
DNAPrint Genomics Inc. said Thursday that it has struck a deal that will make that a reality. The Sarasota research and development company will become the laboratory for New Jersey's GeneLink Inc., which stores DNA samples and has developed its own genetic skin profile tests.
Terms of the deal, announced Thursday, call for DNAPrint to conduct the tests using saliva samples. It will get $21 per sample analyzed.
Tony Frudakis, DNAPrint's chief executive officer, said the potential test volume could reach tens of thousands weekly.
"At first we'll be doing around 50 to 100 per week," he said. "But the potential is explosive, obviously."
DNAPrint will receive no royalties on sales of cosmetics or personal care products developed from this project. But the company expects to make money from subsequent tests it will develop with GeneLink.
The cosmetics industry is already flooded with anti-aging products. But none yet are based on an individual's genetic code.
Frudakis said about 10 human genes are known to determine whether a person skin's will age prematurely from sunlight or pollutants.
Not all women need to wear anti-aging makeup, he said. "Why expose yourself to chemicals if you don't need to?"
The testing to be done at DNAPrint will determine specific sequences in a person's genetic code that can tell what kind of topical medication works best. From that, a line of cosmetics can be developed for women who genes foretell early skin damage.
GeneLink is starting to license its skin profile tests to companies that make or market products for the skin care, nutritional supplement and health care industries, which together have about $100 billion in annual sales.
DNAPrint's over-the-counter shares rose slightly to 2.32 cents at the close of regular trading on Thursday.
heraldtribune.com
CGR |
