Ethnic differences: Pola Orbis partners local researchers to study genetic causes behind blemishes in Asian skin

14-Aug-2019 - Last updated on 14-Aug-2019 at 01:40 GMT

Frontier Research Center (FRC), the research and development arm of Pola Orbis, is joining forces with the Skin Research Institute of Singapore (SRIS) for blemish research. ©GettyImages

Frontier Research Center (FRC), the rFrontier Research Center (FRC), the research and development arm of Pola Orbis, is joining forces with the Skin Research Institute of Singapore (SRIS) to understand why and how blemishes form in people of Asian heritage, in hopes of developing relevant solutions., in hopes of developing relevant solutions.

FRC considers blemishes one of the major skin issues that can lead to a decrease in the quality of life, particularly in Asia, and believes there is still a need for effective solutions in the market.

According to FRC, previous research on blemishes have studied genetic differences among people of different races.

However, it hypothesised that smaller genetic differences in ethnic backgrounds and roots can also affect the mechanism of blemish formation.

“By collaborating with SRIS and researching factors responsible for blemish formation among different ethnicities, and by analysing any differences or similarities we find, we hope to provide an effective solution for all people troubled by blemishes and dark spots,” said the firm in a statement.

An advantageous partnership

The Japanese cosmetics company said working with a “top-level research institute” such as SRIS will help it to strengthen and progress open innovation.

SRIS is a collaboration between the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), National Skin Center (NSC) and Nanyang Technological University (NTU).

The company added that the two institutes will also collaborate with a “reputable dermatology centre” in Singapore.

While FRC’s dermatological research has focused on studying the genetic characteristics of the Japanese people, SRIS has expertise on a diverse set of Asian skin – namely Chinese, Malay and Indians – which will benefit the research.

“FRC has focused on analysing genetic characteristics of Japanese people to understand how differences in racial roots may cause skin issues. On the other hand, SRIS is based in ethnically diverse Singapore, and dermatological research based on multiple ethnicities is their forte,” said the firm.

It added: “By utilising each other’s unique knowledge and technology in dermatological research, the collaboration aims to solve skin problems shared among people with all types of Asian heritage. Pola Chemical Industries will continue to adopt cutting-edge research and technology, and offer solutions for people all over the world with all of sorts of skin issues.” said FRC.

FRC was established in 2018 by Pola Orbis to conduct research that will create new value for the company.

Earlier this year, FRC partnered with biopharmaceutical company PeptiDream to accelerate the development of new quasi-drug active ingredients