eSense-Lab and SeaLaria to develop terpene-infused hand sanitisers

eSense-Lab Ltd (ASX:ESE) and Israel based biotechnology company SeaLaria Ltd have teamed up for a joint venture to develop new products based on the synergistic effect of eSense’s terpene strains and SeaLaria’s unique gelatinised red algae. The initial focus of the joint venture will be on healthcare and consumer anti-viral hand sanitisers. The infusion of terpenes will enhance the anti-viral potency and reduce the existing high alcohol content present in hand sanitisers. eSense chief technology officer Dr Eyal Kalo said lab teams have been engaged to formulate the first experimental batch of a gel-based, alcohol-free sanitiser. Preliminary results have been received and are currently being evaluated. Virtual cannabis Headquartered in Israel, eSense-Lab combines genetics, mRNA expression, phytochemical characterisation and unique formulations to generate comprehensive models of rare or high-value plants. The company has created virtual cannabis, with all the characteristics of the real plant, without the psychoactive and heavily regulated cannabinoid compound, for mass consumer consumption. Combining gelatinised algae and terpene SeaLaria and eSense will also develop an ointment to infuse combinations of SeaLaria’s gelatinised algae along with eSense’s anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative terpene blends. eSense plans to collaborate with hospital-based dermatology key opinion leaders to examine the therapeutic effects of these terpene/algae combinations on skin disorders. Matching consumer demand eSense chief executive officer Itzik Mizrahi said: “We have looked into possible cooperation with SeaLaria for some time, but the increased consumer demand for hand sanitisers has pushed both companies to prioritise the potential development of more effective products, to match consumer demand. “I believe this joint venture will also produce other high-efficiency products, leveraging both our companies’ expertise.” The two companies have also initiated discussions to enter a collaboration process with relevant universities’ virology lab or certified hospital virology lab, to run future testing of anti-viral synergistic effects. New commercialisation strategy eSense has been exploring a new commercialisation strategy under its new leadership team through joint venture agreements across multiple revenue-generating markets. In particular, the company is researching innovative, evidence-based applications of terpenes for the medical, wellness, cosmetic, and nutritional markets. eSense will pursue further partnering opportunities to expand the reach of its proprietary terpene strains into a range of products and new markets.