BASF gains exclusive commercial rights to 3Helix’s collagen repairing peptides tech

06 Nov 2023 --- BASF and US-based technology start-up 3Helix Inc., have entered an innovation partnership on 3Helix’s proprietary Collagen Hybridizing Peptide (CHP) technology. The partnership involves an equity investment and licensing agreement, granting BASF exclusive rights to commercialize CHP solutions for the personal care field.

CHP is a novel and unique peptide that specifically binds unfolded collagen chains, both in vitro and in vivo. By sharing the Gly-X-Y repeating sequence of natural collagen, CHP has a strong capability to hybridize with denatured collagen chains by reforming the triple helical structure, in a fashion similar to DNA fragments annealing to complementary DNA strands. 

3Helix's patented CHP technology is based on short, single-stranded collagen-like peptides that have the unique ability to bind to damaged and denatured collagen, enabling anti-aging claims.CHP is “extremely specific” as it has negligible affinity to intact collagen molecules, due to the lack of binding sites. It is also inert towards non-specific binding because of its neutral and hydrophilic nature.

The commercial partnership comes after research and development work by 3Helix, which has seen their CHP technology quickly progress from laboratory scale to pilot stage. 

BASF now plans to integrate the technology in-house, aiming to launch initial CHP solutions in 2025.

Since its establishment in 2015, 3Helix has focused on developing an innovative technology platform to target damaged collagen for various applications, including personal care.

“It has been an exciting journey to bring our technology to this point where we can partner with BASF,” says Mike Kirkness, CEO of 3Helix Inc. “We look forward to the intense collaboration in the coming years and welcome BASF to the 3Helix Board of Directors.”

“With this partnership, BASF continues to demonstrate our investment in open innovation and expand our innovative offerings to our customers,” comments Dr. Marina Safont Sempere, director of New Business Models & digital officer, Care Chemicals at BASF. 

“3Helix’s results from laboratory trials are very encouraging and show the potential of this new innovation for the personal care market.”

BASF’s green chemicals pipeline
BASF’s new tie-up with 3Helix aligns with its key cornerstones of “sustainability, digitalization, innovation and new approaches” that come under its “Care 360° – Solutions for Sustainable Life” program.

Within this program, the chemicals giant has recently launched new personal care and home hygiene solutions. One is Emulgade Verde 10 MS, an oil-in-water (O/W) emulsifier for natural personal care formulations, alongside the eco-friendly Lavergy M Ace 100 L made with mannanase. 

The second most recent Care 360° launch is eco-friendly Lavergy M Ace 100 L, made with mannanase, which is an enzyme helping to lift stubborn stains in home and commercial laundry applications.

In other green launches, BASF Personal Care introduced a cosmetic ingredient based on sustainably sourced French fireweed, branded Epispot, which targets blemish-prone skin. While also targeting shiny skin and enlarged visible pores, the ingredient is suitable for a wide range of applications, from face serums to cleansers and even makeup formulations.

By Benjamin Ferrer