Founded by a team led by the scientist who helped develop Bactroban, Alphyn Biologics is a clinical-stage dermatology company developing topical medicines for difficult skin diseases. Based in Annapolis and Cincinnati, the company’s botanical Zabalafin Platform uses multiple bioactive compounds to address several disease drivers at once, with lead programs targeting atopic dermatitis and molluscum contagiosum. Alphyn became operational in 2020 and has wholly owned subsidiaries in Australia and Austria.
Botanix PharmaceuticalsBotanix Pharmaceuticals is an ASX-listed pharmaceutical company developing and commercialising dermatology and antimicrobial treatments based on synthetic cannabinoids. Its lead product, Sofdra (sofpironium) topical gel, is FDA-approved and available in the United States, while the company’s experienced dermatology team advances treatments for underserved skin diseases and infections. Botanix operates across Australia and the United States, with commercial operations being built in Phoenix.PHOENIX, AZ
BioMendics, LLCBased inside the REDIzone incubator on the Northeast Ohio Medical University campus, BioMendics develops investigational medicines for rare dermatologic disorders, led by a small-molecule liquid-crystal platform aimed at repairing fragile, blistering skin. Founded by scientists, physicians, and angel investors, the company is currently advancing its topical TolaSure gel through a Phase II study for epidermolysis bullosa simplex. CEO and founder Karen M. McGuire, PhD, brings more than 15 years of drug-development experience to the research program.ROOTSTOWN, OH
Topix Skin HealthFounded in 1981 by Stanley and Burt Shaffer, Topix Skin Health develops and manufactures science-based skin-care products through a portfolio of professional and consumer brands. Its New York-based Topiderm operation provides in-house research, development and manufacturing, supported by more than 40 scientists, including three full-time PhD microbiologists. The company’s formulas are developed with dermatologists and physicians, with products tested by more than 6,000 physicians over four decades.AMITYVILLE, NY
Velius, LLCVelius, LLC is a research-driven biopharmaceutical company developing prescription and over-the-counter medicines that target or are delivered through the skin. Founded and built by medical professionals, the Great Neck company is led by a surgeon and a pharmacist and has built its portfolio around nanotechnology-enabled film delivery, including products for scar treatment and dermatological conditions. Its intellectual-property portfolio includes patents issued in more than 25 countries and a suite of 19 developed pharmaceuticals.GREAT NECK, NY