BASF has invested in biotech start-up 3Helix Inc. and announced its innovation partnership building on 3Helix’s proprietary CHP technology.
WHO: Since its establishment in 2015 by biomedical engineering professors Dr. Michael Yu and Dr. Yang Li, 3Helix has focused on developing an innovative technology platform to target damaged collagen for various applications, including personal care. 3Helix’s patented collagen-hybridizing peptide (CHP) technology is the first platform that takes advantage of the difference in the 3D structure between damaged and healthy collagen, allowing CHPs to target, localize, and bind to areas with damage. The next generation of the technology, bioACTIVE CHPs, naturally activate your body’s rejuvenation mechanisms to give you younger, healthier-looking skin, and even prevent skin aging.
Based in Ludwigshafen, Germany, BASF has more than 111,000 employees in almost every country in the world with a portfolio comprising six segments: Chemicals, Materials, Industrial Solutions, Surface Technologies, Nutrition & Care, and Agricultural Solutions. BASF generated sales of €87.3 billion in 2022.
WHY: The investment and partnership comes after successful research and development work by 3Helix, which has seen their CHP technology quickly progress from laboratory scale to pilot stage. Recognizing the immense potential of this technology, BASF plans to bring it in-house and aims to launch initial CHP solutions in 2025.
IN THEIR OWN WORDS: “It has been an exciting journey to bring our technology to this point where we can partner with BASF,” states Mike Kirkness, CEO of 3Helix Inc. “We look forward to the intense collaboration in the coming years and welcome BASF to the 3Helix Board of Directors.”
“With this partnership, BASF continues to demonstrate our investment in open innovation and expand our innovative offerings to our customers,” said Dr. Marina Safont Sempere, Director of New Business Models and Digital Officer, Care Chemicals at BASF. “3Helix’s results from laboratory trials are very encouraging and show the potential of this new innovation for the personal care market.”
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