An Indian-born biochemist is on a transformative mission to revolutionise dermatological care for the vast numbers of individuals suffering from skin conditions worldwide. This endeavour, spearheaded by Dr. Pragya Sharma, is inspired deeply by her personal family history, particularly her grandmother’s long struggle with psoriasis, a chronic autoimmune condition that can lead to debilitating symptoms. In establishing her Belfast-based start-up, Granlab, Dr. Sharma aims to bring innovative solutions to the approximately one billion people worldwide affected by skin issues, with a particular focus on those with psoriasis.
Granlab, named in homage to her grandmother, operates out of Belfast’s modern Medical Biology Centre (MBC), where it is positioned as one of Northern Ireland’s pioneering ‘cosmeceutical’ ventures. Combining the realms of cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, cosmeceuticals are products formulated to provide therapeutic benefits that extend beyond mere topical application. This innovative approach is exemplified in Dr. Sharma’s first product, GL-1, which aims to harness the healing properties of biominerals and rare earth metals without the side effects associated with steroid treatments.
The company has made significant strides since its inception, securing £600,000 in initial funding from various sources, including The MedTech Accelerator Rapid Regulatory Support Fund (MARRS) and Innovate UK. This financial backing underscores the growing interest in Granlab’s mission and highlights the potential market for its products, particularly as research indicates approximately 30 million people in the UK alone endure psoriasis, with equality and accessibility being of paramount importance in treatment formulations.
Granlab’s approach is deeply rooted in scientific rigour, and Dr. Sharma, with her PhD from Queen’s University in biochemical research, is equipped to lead this ambition. Her PhD work revolved around understanding iron transport mechanisms in cells, a foundation that became pertinent as recent studies have linked iron dysregulation to skin conditions like psoriasis. The insights derived from her academic work have directly influenced the formulation and development processes at Granlab, which have been validated through clinical trials involving over 300 participants globally. Results from these trials show that 70-80% of participants experienced significant improvements in symptoms, signalling a promising horizon for this novel treatment.
Granlab’s ambitions extend beyond just product development. Dr. Sharma is keenly aware of the broader context in which many psoriasis patients find themselves — often feeling isolated and unsupported in their battles against visible skin issues. To address this, she is developing a support network termed ‘The Clearing,’ aimed at fostering community among individuals facing similar challenges. This initiative reflects her commitment not only to scientific advancement but also to the emotional and social aspects of living with skin conditions.
As Granlab advances towards a 2026 market entry, it is not merely creating a product; it is setting a standard for how dermatological care can evolve. The start-up's phased rollout is designed to initially target dermatology offices and consumers via online platforms, before expanding to premium pharmacies and beauty retailers. Such strategy indicates a comprehensive approach to market penetration, ensuring accessibility of their products to diverse demographics, which is particularly crucial given that conventional treatments often fall short for individuals with varying skin tones and types.
Indeed, as the dermatological landscape transforms, Granlab represents a significant leap forward — blending scientific research with a compassionate understanding of the challenges faced by many. In doing so, Dr. Pragya Sharma stands poised to not only create innovative skincare solutions but also to instil a sense of belonging and confidence in those who have long suffered in silence.
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Source: Noah Wire Services