Plant-based growth factors developed for cosmetics use

The Dermokine growth factors are produced from the seeds of genetically modified barley and provide the long-awaited and improved alternative to those traditionally produced in E. coli, yeast or animal cells.

The company, headquartered in Rejkavik, claim all six of its growth factors are potential candidates for preventing the formation of fine lines and wrinkles, as well as being potential agents for stimulating hair growth.

"The use of human-like growth factors in cosmetics has, until now, been hindered by the fact that the only way to produce them previously was in E. coli, yeast or in animal cells, none of which are particularly attractive propositions for the industry or for consumers,”​ said Dr. Björn Örvar, founder and CEO of ORF Genetics.

“Now, we have managed to overcome this problem by developing a plant-based system for the production of safe, human-like growth factors in barley seeds."​