BASF and 3Helix Inc, a US-based technology start-up, announced yesterday their latest innovation on 3Helix's patented CHP technology. The partnership between the two entities involves an equity investment and a licensing agreement, which grants BASF exclusive rights to commercialise CHP solutions for the personal care field.
The CHP technology, patented by 3Helix, is based on short single-stranded collagen-like peptides that have the unique ability to bind to damaged and denatured collagen, resulting in extraordinary anti-ageing properties.
The partnership follows research and development work by 3Helix, which has seen its CHP technology move rapidly from lab scale to pilot phase. Recognising the immense potential of this technology, BASF plans to incorporate it internally and aims to launch initial CHP solutions in 2025.
Since its inception in 2015, 3Helix has focused on developing an innovative technology platform targeting 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," stated Mike Kirkness, CEO of 3Helix Inc. "We look forward to a strong 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 to expand our innovative offering to our customers," said Dr. Marina Safont Sempere, Head of New Business Models & Digital Officer, Care Chemicals at BASF. "The results of 3Helix in lab trials are very encouraging and show the potential of this new innovation for the personal care market."