Follicum, a biotech company developing new peptide drugs in two areas, hair loss and diabetes, reports that it has signed a collaboration agreement with the Centre for Skin Sciences (CSS) at University of Bradford, UK.
The aim is to combine in vitro experiments with the use of bioinformatics data mining and analysis to investigate the mode of action of Follicum’s different peptide classes using an in silico approach (big data analysis). The scope of the project will cover both skin/hair biology and diabetes.
Follicum has, as previously reported, made major progress in identifying the receptors for their peptides of interest.
CSS has a unique access to human skin material and will assist Follicum in investigating the biological activity of Follicum’s peptides in a collaborative way using various advanced experimental assays.
The aim of the research is to achieve a better understanding of the mode of action of Follicum’s peptides utilising the vast experience of CSS. A better characterisation of the mode of action in both projects will help advance ongoing partner discussions.
CEO Jan Alenfall comments: "We are very pleased to have signed this agreement. The vast experience that CSS brings to the project is of great importance to increase the understanding of the mechanism of action of our peptides both in the hair and diabetes."
"It is important to intensify this research as we are getting closer to starting more advanced clinical trials in the hair project. The understanding will also help develop the diabetes project further. The studies will be initiated early 2019 and completed later the same year."
