Syntopix teams up with owner of Nivea to carry out acne research

The Bradford-based group, which was spun out of Leeds University, has been appointed by international branded consumer goods company Beiersdorf to carry out tests to improve the acne preventative ingredients used in its products.

Beiersdorf, which also owns skin care brand La Prairie, will pay Syntopix a research contract fee to establish and validate the tests.

Under the terms of the agreement, Syntopix will develop new lab-based tests to examine the effective delivery of active ingredients.

Dr Stephen Jones, chief executive of Syntopix, said: "I am delighted to be working with Beiersdorf. Syntopix's wider work on skin disorders and oral health has given our team a deep understanding of factors affecting the topical efficacy of antimicrobials. Our assays will facilitate the development of new antimicrobial strategies to address this important challenge."

Dr Heiner Max, head of research personal care at Beiersdorf, said: "As one of the world's leading cosmetics companies, which is involved in the development and manufacture of skin care products, Beiersdorf's expertise is closely aligned with that of Syntopix. Together we are in a strong position to work towards developing unique and effective products."

Syntopix is a specialised research and development company, focusing on antimicrobial innovations for the cosmetic, consumer healthcare and pharmaceutical markets.