SBTX Skinbiotherapeutics Plc

SkinBioTherapeutics plc

("SkinBioTherapeutics" or "the Company")

AxisBiotix Acne food supplement consumer study reports positive data

·   Very positive feedback from participants with a range of acne skin conditions

·   Improvement observed in spot appearance (84%) and pain caused by spots (77%)

·   93% of participants completed exit study of which 89% reported they would continue using AxisBiotix supplement post-study

·   Determining end formulation for final consumer product is the next step in the commercialisation strategy

18 June 2024 - SkinBioTherapeutics plc (AIM: SBTX), a life science company focused on skin health, announces that AxisBiotix Limited ("AxisBiotix"), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, has finalised the analysis of the data from its AxisBiotix Acne food supplement consumer study. Participant feedback was highly positive.

The 8-week consumer volunteer study of the food supplement blend, AxisBiotix Acne, commenced in January 2024. The study, which enrolled 98 people, followed the same methodology as the AxisBiotix-Ps study. The supplement containing the lead formulation was supplied to participants in powder-form. Participants were then asked to record scores against specific criteria on an app. The scoring criteria included severity of acne, level of pain, attitude to appearance and levels of confidence.

Study results

The participants provided feedback weekly via a bespoke app (85 participants reported every week - an 87% completion rate), as well as via an exit survey, which produced the following results:

·    84% reported that the appearance of their spots had improved;

·    77% reported that the pain caused by their spots had eased;

·    62% reported that the anxiety they felt due to their spots had improved;

·    58% reported that the impact their spots had on their social life had improved.

Of the 91 participants that completed the exit survey (93% of participants), 89% reported that they would continue using the supplement and recommend it to others.

As part of the exit interviews, participants were also asked to comment on their experience using AxisBiotix. Statements included:

"My skin has greatly improved. [My] spots have reduced in size and I didn't see that many new ones appearing. I'm very happy with my skin, it's much clearer now."

"After this trial my skin looks clearer and even [my] scars became less visible. I don't need to use foundation to cover any blemishes and scars. Thank you."

"I think my skin looks smooth and clear. It has a lovely glow and I have been able to go out without any makeup. My skin looks rejuvenated and I have had many compliments. I have far less blackheads and white heads, which were a big concern for me. I feel much happier."

Exit Questionnaire Improvements summary of data

[Source: Datitude Limited]

A summary of the research report will be available at 9am on 18 June 2024 on the Company's Investor Relations Company Announcements website.

Up to 85% of people will suffer from acne at some point in their life and sufferers tend to be keen to alleviate their symptoms. The global acne market is worth $9.4billion with CAGR of 4.8% (Fortune Business Insights 2019). In the UK alone, the market is worth c. £250m in 2022 and is projected to reach c.£300m in 2030, with c.34% of adults in the UK experiencing acne at some time in their lives. Acne is the most common skin condition and one of the top 10 most prevalent diseases worldwide.

Acne can range from mild to severe and typically affects teenagers and young adults but anyone can be affected. Treatment of severe acne often requires topical steroid creams which can lead to undesirable side effects, including skin dryness, irritation, and rashes. Alternative treatments include oral medications where side effects can be more severe e.g. depression or suicidal thoughts.

Sarah Hughes, Co-Founder and Director of Datitude Ltd, said:

"We have really enjoyed being part of this study and it's fantastic to see the difference it's made for so very many people."

Stuart Ashman, CEO of SkinBioTherapeutics, said:

"On behalf of SkinBioTherapeutics, thank you to all the participants in the study and the team that oversaw it. I am very pleased with the results of the study, which stand as a testimonial to the effectiveness of our AxisBiotix Acne food supplement technology in treating acne skin conditions. Now, our attention turns to planning the commercialisation of the product to a market eager for effective solutions. We still have some work to do on end formulation but our focus is very much on commercialisation. This second food supplement greatly derisks the science when discussing wider launches with larger, multinational partners."

-Ends-

The information communicated in this announcement contains inside information for the purposes of Article 7 of the Market Abuse Regulation (EU) No. 596/2014.

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Notes to Editors

About SkinBioTherapeutics plc

SkinBioTherapeutics is a life science company focused on skin health. The Company's proprietary platform technology, SkinBiotix®, is based upon discoveries made by the translational dermatology team at the University of Manchester.

The Company is targeting a number of skin healthcare sectors, the most advanced of which are cosmetic skincare and food supplements to modulate the immune system by harnessing the gut-skin axis. In each area SkinBioTherapeutics plans to exemplify its technology through human studies. The Company's first product, AxisBiotix-Ps™, a food supplement to address the symptoms of mild to moderate psoriasis.

The Company listed on AIM in April 2017 and is based in Newcastle, UK. For more information, visit: www.skinbiotherapeutics.com and www.axisbiotix.com.