Problem Statement

• The growing incidence of eczema affects around 20% of the global population.
• Poor patient adherence to current medication.
• There is a demand for an alternative approach to improve existing treatments.
• The potential of SBH and alginate nanomaterials in skin conditions management, particularly eczema, is unknown.

Applicability and Benefits

• The alginate nanomaterials help to target specific sites of skin irritation.
• Alginate nanomaterial maximizes the therapeutic value of bee products, especially, stingless bee honey.
• The honey-alginate fibre matrix improved cell adhesion, viability, and proliferation, potentially improving chronic skin conditions.
• Minimize eczema flares and rashes in children.
• Can help to boost confidence that can improve the quality of life of eczema.

Research Achievement

• Formulization.
• In-vitro studies.
• Animal model studies.

Commercialization Potential And Industrial Partner

• Marketability: 
  
  • To the best of our knowledge, this is the first leading SBH-based product for eczema therapy, creating a barrier for other competitors (Manuka honey as the key ingredient).
  • Demand for honey grew due to COVID-19 and interest in natural ingredients in medicinal and cosmetic industries.
  • The demand for honey-based products is growing in the cosmetic industry for skin care, accounting for 41% of the global market (based on statista.com).
• Availability: 
  • The product is made using two readily available ingredients: honey from stingless bees and brown algae (alginate).
• Affordability: 
  • The simple preparation method of the product allows for a low production cost.
• Green alternative: 
  
  • Collecting brown algae from natural resources poses a low environmental risk.
  • Promoting stingless beekeeping for honey production to improve the income of rural livelihoods.
  • The preservation of stingless bee populations is a promising modality for preserving the ecosystem.
• Brainey Sdn. Bhd
• Honeygold Sdn. Bhd

Intellectual Property Status

1 Copyright.

Status of Invention

Technology Readiness Level 4 – product validated in a laboratory environment.

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Evidence of Nearest Product Competitor/benchmarking

There are no competitors in the market for SBH-based products for eczema therapy in Malaysia or globally, as we are the leading innovator in this industry.

List of competitors' products using raw honey cream for eczema:

• Orginal Skin-Soothing Cream, a product of Eczema Honey Co (USA).
• Skin Therapy Cream (Mānuka honey), a product of First Honey® (USA).
• Peony Root & Manuka Honey Skin Remedy, a product of Purepeony® (New Zealand).
• Eczema Cream – with Bruny Island Manuka Honey, a product of The Honey Pot (Tasmania).

Impact of the Product

The product's development process has successfully achieved the Quadruple Helix innovation framework:

• Government: 
  • Dr Mohd Zulkifli Mustafa secured one national grant from the Ministry of Higher Education.
• Industry: 
  • Two active collaborations from industry players SBH (Brainey Sdn. Bhd. and Honeygold Sdn. Bhd.).
• Academia/University: 
  
  • An ongoing PhD candidate, Mr Mohammad A.I. Al-Hatamleh.
  • Dr Rohimah Mohamud has secured one university grant.
  • There have been two peer-reviewed journal publications.
  • The ongoing collaboration with the University of Jordan and Hashemite University in Jordan.
• Community: 
  • As part of community outreach to reach a wider audience, we actively collaborate with the Kelantan Darul Naim Stingless Bee Entrepreneur Association (DRONESS).