Hyphens Pharma International Limited (“Hyphens  Pharma”, “凯帆药剂国际有限公司”, or the “Company”, and together with its subsidiaries, the  “Group”), Singapore’s leading specialty pharmaceutical and consumer healthcare group, is  pleased to announce the launch of Ceradan® Advanced Hand Balm, the latest addition to its  Ceradan® line for atopic dermatitis, commonly known as eczema. Developed with the Agency for  Science, Technology, and Research (“A*STAR”, “新加坡科技研究局”), Ceradan® Advanced Hand  Balm, is the first and only hand balm with patented active pH control technology1, specifically designed for hand eczema. 

Hand eczema, characterized by elevated skin pH and a compromised skin barrier, leaves hands  susceptible to inflammation caused by external irritants. The issue is particularly prevalent  among healthcare workers, with 38%2 affected, compared to 9%3 of the general population,  largely due to frequent hand washing. Ceradan® Advanced Hand Balm addresses these key challenges of hand eczema by sustainably lowering the skin pH, leveraging its patented active pH  control technology1. This innovative feature is crucial for managing hand eczema, as skin pH is  integral to maintaining skin barrier homeostasis, antimicrobial defense, and controlling  inflammation and itch4. 

Clinical testing has also shown significant improvements in skin ceramide content after applying Ceradan® Advanced Hand Balm1, as its optimal 3:1:1 ceramide-dominant ratio of essential skin  lipids helps to rebuild the skin barrier. This is especially important to alleviating hand eczema sufferers’ physical discomfort, as their symptoms range from dryness and itching to more severe  manifestations like vesicles, blistering lesions, fissures, and bleeding.  

“The launch of the Ceradan® Advanced Hand Balm marks a significant milestone in our mission  to provide effective, science-backed solutions for skin health. Recognizing the unique needs of  healthcare professionals, it offers targeted relief and lasting protection for hand eczema,  empowering them to gain control over their symptoms and regain a better quality of life.” said Lim  See Wah, Executive Chairman and CEO of Hyphens Pharma. 

A*STAR contributed to the research and development of the Advanced Hand Balm by formulating  the product and conducting stability tests to ensure it met quality standards for broader  application. Following this, they scaled up production and provided the technology transfer and manufacturing protocol to support the transition to commercial manufacturing. A*STAR  scientists also assessed the balm's effectiveness, evaluating its impact on skin health by  measuring hydration and other key indicators like ceramides.  

“Our research partnership with Hyphens Pharma showcases A*STAR’s commitment to  supporting enterprise growth in Singapore’s innovation-driven economy. Through translational  research collaborations and intellectual property licensing, we work closely with industry partners to turn scientific advancements into innovative products, solutions and services, driving economic impact for Singapore." said Mr Lim Li-Wei, Executive Director of Innovation &  Enterprise, A*STAR. 

1 Hyphens. Data on File 

2 Kho et al. Contact Dermatitis. 2020; 83:531–533 

3 https://ctu.dk/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/HET_main2012.pdf 

4 Danby, Simon G., and Michael J. Cork. pH of the Skin: Issues and Challenges 54 (2018): 95-107