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Solfarcos' DNA
Solfarcos is a dynamic and innovative Biotechnology company specialized in developing bio-based technologies, mainly peptides and proteins, for disruptive applications in wellness and health sectors, in particular pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. Our highly qualified team, gathers expertise in Molecular Biology, Bioinformatics & Molecular Simulations, Protein Engineering, Peptide Synthesis, Enzymology, Nanoencapsulation, Inflammation & Immunology, Cosmetics Formulation, Hair Sciences, Skin Modelling, and Chemical Analysis.
Founded in 2016 as a spin-off from the University of Minho, Solfarcos has expanded rapidly into a robust, independent entity. In 2023 we relocated our headquarters and laboratories to a fully renovated 2,600 m² building in Braga city centre, which also houses an industrial unit for in-house production of proteins and peptides.
Our commitment in listening and responding to human needs and our drive for Research and Development (R&D) has led to notable advances which translated into innovations in beauty care, such as keratin-derived peptides for hair fibre molecular repair, and in pharma care, with a targeted liposomal treatment for Rheumatoid Arthritis. Solfarcos has successfully patented several technologies, holding exclusive exploitation rights in hair cosmetics, skin cosmetics, and pharmaceutical fields.
2016
Founded
29
Professionals
4
Product development Lines
4
Portfolio Technologies
10 years
in milestones
Establishment of Solfarcos. Company set up by co-founding partners Professor Artur Cavaco Paulo and Dr Eugénia Nogueira.
The scientific article “Changing the shape of hair with keratin peptides” published at RSC Advances by Professor Cavaco-Paulo’s research team caught the attention of AQUIS, Inc. One of the reported peptides – KP peptide sold as K18 peptide™ – was already in the market as key ingredient for hair fibre molecular repair on Khairpep mask and mist.
AQUIS Inc. buys Khairpep, a company co-founded in 2013 by Professor Artur Cavaco Paulo selling Solfarcos’ K18 peptide™ – the keratin-derived peptides for hair fibre molecular repair – and an exclusive sales contract for these products under AQUIS brand is signed with Solfarcos.
Solfarcos creates its first dedicated facilities covering 100 square meters with open space offices and a cosmetic lab. The first employees are hired. Khairpep peptide-based products are re-branded to K18.
First-in-human phase I clinical trial to study safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetics of Solfarcos’ FBL-MTX technology – a liposomal methotrexate for targeted delivery through an anchor folate-peptide – is successfully concluded.
Sales of K18 peptide grow exponentially as K18TM becomes the market leader in prestige products for hair fibre molecular repair. Solfarcos gains technical independence by re-qualifying an industrial building with over 2600 square meters and investing in the creation of specialized R&D laboratories.
Setting up of the manufacturing plant for the biotechnological production of proteins for cosmetic purposes. Solfarcos biotechnologies become part of Unilever Prestige Group as it acquires K18 company.
Solfarcos’ first recombinant protein – OBP-KP – is launched as an odour control key ingredient, sold as odorBIND™ in K18’s AirWash™ dry shampoo, which became Sephora’s best-selling product in its first week in the market (wk13 2024).
First patient enrolled in FBL-MTX-201 clinical study to evaluate efficacy, safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetics of multiple sub-cutaneous injections of Solfarcos’ liposomal methotrexate for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.
Mission, vision & values
Team expertise
Solfarcos´s team is composed of highly skilled professionals with specialized expertise
State-of-the art research and manufacturing facilities
Solfarcos facilities are designed to accommodate the company´s expansion needs, aggregating four product development lines – Pharmaceuticals, Hair Cosmetics, Skin Cosmetics and Protein Bioengineering – and three cross departments – Analytics, Production and Regulatory Affairs.
Our laboratories are endowed with state-of-the-art equipment for peptide and protein synthesis, purification and isolation of active ingredients, and safety and performance evaluation in hair strands and skin models.
The production plant is designed in a continuous flow which allows a semi-automated, controlled and adaptive fermentation process for cosmetic-grade manufacturing of recombinant proteins.
The building also includes meeting rooms, training facilities, administrative and leisure areas, as well as an auditorium intended to benefit the working environment for our growing team and promote collaboration and innovation. Besides the already impressive productive, technological and social areas, there are still 600 square meters in the building available for expansion, either to reinforce a specific department or as a strategy for diversification.
Want to know more about our facilities and how they might serve your needs? Let us know your request!
