DSM Invests in Personal Care Company Sol-Gel Technologies

12/09/06 DSM Venturing, the corporate venturing unit of Royal DSM N.V. has invested USD 2 mln in Sol-Gel Technologies Ltd., a private early-stage company committed to the development and commercialization of safer and more effective healthcare products. Sol-Gel’s technology platform is of interest to DSM for its further development of skin care and dermatology applications as part of its ambitions in the field of Personal Care.

Sol-Gel develops (ingredients for) sunscreens, anti-acne and anti-ageing products which are based on their proprietary sol-gel technology. This technology enables room temperature entrapment of organic and bioactive molecules in silica glass beads. The ingredients can thereby be safely isolated and their delivery can be controlled, a potentially valuable innovation for the pharmaceutical and cosmetic markets. The company has received exclusive worldwide licenses and patents, plus patents pending, for this technology.

In addition to the investment DSM and Sol-Gel Technologies intend to explore possible joint development activities and other collaborations, not only in the field of Personal Care but also in DSM’s strategic markets Animal and Human Nutrition.

DSM offers its customers in the cosmetic industry a world-leading portfolio of vitamins, bioactive ingredients and UV filters. To stay at the forefront DSM is dedicated to the discovery and development of technically superior new ingredients for skin care, sun care and hair care products, both in its own R&D department and in cooperation with innovative players such as Sol-Gel Technologies.