UNeMed, ProTransit ink cosmetics nanotechnology licensing agreement

US-based technology transfer office for the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC), UNeMed, has inked a licensing agreement with a new start up company ProTransit Nanotherapy for the cosmetics nanotechnology developed by the university.

The UNMC developed nanotechnology is expected to improve and strengthen the anti-aging and sunscreen cosmetics into better performing products in obstructing and protecting the skin against ultraviolet radiations which cause wrinkles and risk the possibility of skin cancer.

As per the terms of the license agreement, ProTransit Nanotherapy is expected to commercialise the nontoxic and biodegradable system within the next 18 months.

Subject to its success, the nanotechnology can be used as a platform to treatment to a wide range of ailments including stroke and heart disease.

The root causes for these diseases are the defected atoms or molecules known as free radicals that damage other cells.

Dr. Vinod Labhasetwar, a former faculty with the university’s pharmaceutical sciences’ department and presently professor of biomedical engineering at the Lerner Research Institute at Cleveland Clinic in Ohio, has developed nanoparticles that provide antioxidants to fight the free radicals.

The nanoparticles carry numerous proteins, enzymes and even genetic materials that can be customised to design the targeted treatments.

It is believed that cosmetics with the nanotechnology will provide a combination of protective antioxidants to shield the skin from the UV radiations and address the premature skin aging concerns.

ProTransit Nanotherapy is also working with the university’s Center for Drug Delivery and Nanomedicine to set up facilities for the manufacture of nanoparticles and other nanomedical products.

The company was formed in collaboration with Gary Madsen, the entrepreneur in residence at UNeMed.

Image: ProTransit Nanotherapy co-founder Gary Madsen (left) and UNeMed president Michael Dixon sign the licensing agreement. Photo: Courtesy of Jack Mayfield/UNeMed.