Merck to market Greenpharma’s cosmetic active ingredient

US-based pharmaceutical, chemical and life science company, Merck, has inked an agreement to market the Greenpharma’s cosmetic active ingredient poppy seed extract globally.

Merck will market the active ingredient under its umbrella brand RonaCare as of September 2013.

As per the terms of the agreement, the company will also be responsible for sales, logistics and application technology customer support.

The active ingredient, poppy seed extract, is a skin-firming substance and displays lipolytic activity through dual mechanism of action both by inhibiting lipogenesis and by activating lipolysis.

Greenpharma researchers validated that the poppy seed extract curtails the fat build-up by reducing glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase activity (G3PDH) in the fat cells while activating lipolysis by enhancing the release of free fatty acids.

As a result, the active ingredient is well suited for use in anti-cellulite body care products.

The skin-firming effect of the ingredient can be used in other applications too such as providing facial skin a smoother and more even appearance.

Greenpharma Pigments & Cosmetics business unit Functional Materials head Michael Weiden said the company will continue to increase its innovative portfolio derived from in-house research and development by cooperating with external partners.

"Compliance with Merck quality standards is a most important precondition. Greenpharma distinguishes itself by high quality standards, intensive research work and environmentally sound product manufacturing. That makes it a perfect partner for Merck," Weiden added.

Greenpharma chief executive officer Philippe Bernard said the company will serve its partner Merck as an innovative provider of research and development solutions.

"This agreement does illustrate Greenpharma’s capability to conduct R&D projects from a robust scientific basis to an active ingredient ready for the market," Bernard added.