The Ecosystem-Based Approach
We develop innovative, first-in-class, non-steroidal topical solutions designed to support skin health by modulating the skin microbiota and preserving its balance.
Our approach is based on the characterization of the skin as a complex, multi-layered ecosystem in which microbial communities and host cells engage in continuous and highly regulated interactions (Chen et al., 2018). This interkingdom signaling is a multidimensional network of biochemical and bioelectrical exchanges that orchestrates key physiological processes, including immune regulation, barrier integrity, and tissue homeostasis (Byrd et al., 2018).
Within this framework, the microbiota acts not as a passive inhabitant, but as an active biological interface that communicates with the host through a shared “language” of molecular signals.
For instance, extracellular vesicles (EVs)—including bacteria-derived extracellular vesicles (BEVs)—released by pathobionts under dysbiotic conditions act as critical mediators of bidirectional signaling (Kim et al., 2020). These vesicles can selectively transport virulence factors, toxins, and immunomodulatory molecules, thereby actively modulating host cell responses and shaping local immune and inflammatory pathways (Hong et al., 2011).
At the same time, the microbiota plays a pivotal role in shaping and educating the host immune system, particularly in early life, contributing to the establishment and maintenance of eubiosis (Sanford & Gallo, 2013). This dynamic ecosystem also exhibits intrinsic resilience, with the capacity to recover its equilibrium after external perturbations, thanks to the stability of its commensal network and inter-species interactions (Grice & Segre, 2011).
By strategically modulating this complex cross-talk, our technologies are designed to restorephysiological balance, reinforce the skin barrier, and promote long-term skin health. This ecosystem-based approach enables targeted, sustainable interventions across both human and veterinary applications, aligning with the evolving paradigm of microbiome-driven care.
Our Company
Founded in 2018 by Sonia Longo Sormani, with backing from Panakes Partners, CDP Venture Capital SGR, and Fondazione ENEA Tech and Biomedicals, Aileens Pharma is an Italian biotech company advancing the dermatology field through science-driven innovation.
The company cooperates with leading academic and research institutions worldwide. Aileens is incubated in a University Lab with its ISO13485 certified production site, ensuring the highest standards of quality in the development of microbiome-modulating solutions.
References
1. Banueth, G., et al. (2021). The role of the skin microbiome in veterinary dermatology: A review. Veterinary Sciences, 8(9), 189.
2. Bouslimani, A., et al. (2019). The role of skin microbiota in cutaneous aging: Focus on metabolites and signaling pathways. Frontiers in Genetics, 10, 1107.
3. Byrd, A. L., Belkaid, Y., & Segre, J. A. (2018). The human skin microbiome. Nature Reviews Microbiology, 16(3), 143-155.
4. Chen, Y. E., Fischbach, M. A., & Belkaid, Y. (2018). Skin microbiota–host interactions. Nature, 553(7689), 427-436.
5. Grice, E. A., & Segre, J. A. (2011). The skin microbiome. Nature Reviews Microbiology, 9(4), 244-253.
6. Hong, S. W., et al. (2011). Extracellular vesicles derived from Staphylococcus aureus induce atopic dermatitis-like skin inflammation. Allergy, 66(3), 351-359.
7. Kim, G. J., et al. (2020). Staphylococcal enterotoxin B-containing extracellular vesicles induce systemic immune responses. Scientific Reports, 10(1), 8645.
8. Krishnan, R. S., et al. (2021). The skin microbiome in skin aging and its potential as a target for aesthetic medicine. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 20(12), 3785-3792.
9. Noli, C., et al. (2022). Efficacy and safety of a topical foam containing HAc40 in dogs with atopic dermatitis. Veterinary Dermatology (Congress proceedings).
10. Paller, A. S., et al. (2019). The microbiome in patients with atopic dermatitis. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 143(1), 26-35.
11. Sanford, J. A., & Gallo, R. L. (2013). Functions of the skin microbiota in health and disease. Seminars in Immunology, 25(5), 370-377.
References
1. Banueth, G., et al. (2021). The role of the skin microbiome in veterinary dermatology: A review. Veterinary Sciences, 8(9), 189.
2. Bouslimani, A., et al. (2019). The role of skin microbiota in cutaneous aging: Focus on metabolites and signaling pathways. Frontiers in Genetics, 10, 1107.
3. Byrd, A. L., Belkaid, Y., & Segre, J. A. (2018). The human skin microbiome. Nature Reviews Microbiology, 16(3), 143-155.
4. Chen, Y. E., Fischbach, M. A., & Belkaid, Y. (2018). Skin microbiota–host interactions. Nature, 553(7689), 427-436.
5. Grice, E. A., & Segre, J. A. (2011). The skin microbiome. Nature Reviews Microbiology, 9(4), 244-253.
6. Hong, S. W., et al. (2011). Extracellular vesicles derived from Staphylococcus aureus induce atopic dermatitis-like skin inflammation. Allergy, 66(3), 351-359.
7. Kim, G. J., et al. (2020). Staphylococcal enterotoxin B-containing extracellular vesicles induce systemic immune responses. Scientific Reports, 10(1), 8645.
8. Krishnan, R. S., et al. (2021). The skin microbiome in skin aging and its potential as a target for aesthetic medicine. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 20(12), 3785-3792.
9. Noli, C., et al. (2022). Efficacy and safety of a topical foam containing HAc40 in dogs with atopic dermatitis. Veterinary Dermatology (Congress proceedings).
10. Paller, A. S., et al. (2019). The microbiome in patients with atopic dermatitis. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 143(1), 26-35.
11. Sanford, J. A., & Gallo, R. L. (2013). Functions of the skin microbiota in health and disease. Seminars in Immunology, 25(5), 370-377.