Sequential Skin Ltd., an expert in skin microbiome research, and AMILI, an innovator in gut microbiome science, received the UK-Singapore Collaborative R&D Grant. This $1.8 million initiative, backed by Innovate UK and Enterprise Singapore, paves the way for groundbreaking research into the connections between the gut and skin microbiomes.
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Sequential Skin Ltd., an expert in skin microbiome research, and AMILI, an innovator in gut microbiome science, received the UK-Singapore Collaborative R&D Grant. This $1.8 million initiative, backed by Innovate UK and Enterprise Singapore, paves the way for groundbreaking research into the connections between the gut and skin microbiomes.
The project aims to revolutionize the evaluation and treatment of inflammatory skin disorders (ISDs) like atopic dermatitis and psoriasis, conditions affecting up to 25% of the population globally. It will do so by combining Sequential’s expertise in skin microbiome testing with AMILI’s regional database on gut microbiota to develop novel microbiome-driven, non-invasive diagnostics and targeted interventions.
Why Gut-Skin Connections Matter
According to the companies:
- chronic and recurrent ISDs significantly affect physical and mental health
- but current testing methods neglect the deeper connection between the skin and gut microbiomes; i.e., the gut-skin axis.
Research indicates that imbalances in the gut microbiota play a substantial role in the progression of skin conditions, making this collaboration an essential step forward in understanding and potentially treating ISDs holistically.
“This competitive grant provides us the opportunity to develop actionable insights using our world-class skin microbiome data, coupled with AMILI’s pioneering gut microbiome research,” said Oliver Worsley, Ph.D., and CEO of Sequential. “Together, we are advancing next-generation, non-invasive, at-home solutions that could transform the way inflammatory skin conditions are diagnosed and managed globally.”
Global Expertise Meets Bold Innovation
Sequential Skin has amassed a database of over 25,000 clinical skin microbiome samples and is reportedly known for launching the first commercially available at-home skin microbiome tests in 2019. The company partners with more than 80 personal care and pharmaceutical brands in the R&D sector.
AMILI, headquartered in Singapore, is a leader in gut microbiome research in Asia. With the region’s largest multi-ethnic database of gut microbiota, per the company, AMILI has been at the forefront since its founding team conducted the first gut microbiome transplants in Asia in 2014. The organization’s focus on deeply analyzing the gut microbiome aims to pave the way for linking microbiota changes to various health conditions, providing invaluable contributions to this collaborative effort.
A New Era of Innovation
With support from Innovate UK and Enterprise Singapore, this grant accelerates the development of breakthrough technologies in microbiome research. The collaboration aims to benefit not only ISD management, but also personal care and therapeutic solutions, setting a new standard for microbiome science's application in health and wellness.
According to the companies, cosmetic chemists, formulators, R&D leaders and cosmetic scientists can look forward to precision-driven insights that enhance their ability to develop effective solutions rooted in evidence-based science.
