The ingredient, which is targeted at exfoliating and moisturising skin care applications, is derived from the hatching fluid of salmon, where the enzyme Zonase allows the fish embryo to hatch from its egg by digesting the eggshell without harming the larva.
The company claims that this process of digesting dead tissue in the eggshell while protecting the living larvae is the key to Zonase X, as it gently stimulates skin renewal without harming the skin.
Supply and development agreements
ABT has signed an agreement with skin care company Bioforskning for the Zonase X ingredient, and with a global healthcare company for certain components within the Zonase technology, including Zonase X.
ABT will supply the patented ingredient to Bioforskning for use in its Skin Science line which is sold in the Scandinavian professional market.
According to ABT, Bioforskning is developing new product lines that will incorporate ingredients such as Zonase X, as well as expanding its geographical footprint by broadening its sales reach to several European markets.
The new Zonase X-containing products will be launched during the second half of 2010 and the first half 2011, the company said.
The ingredient has previously been launched in the Scandinavian market in the Zona and Kilda Skindiver skin care brands.
Broadening application of Zonase technology
ABT’s agreement with the healthcare company aims to develop new products based on Zonase technology, including Zonase X, but which are outside the original application areas of Zonase, the company said.
“These agreements represent a breakthrough for ABT’s Zonase X technology, and proves significant commercial potential within multiple areas of application,” said ABT’s executive chairman Thor Talseth.
“Our new partners represent both new marketing potential and a significant strengthening of ABT’s product development capacity,” he added.