Merck signs deal with Greenpharma to market active ingredien

Merck, the manufacturer of cosmetic ingredients, has signed an agreement with Greenpharma S.A.S., the supplier of R&D products and services, to market its poppy seed extract active ingredient from September 2013. The ingredient will be marketed under Merck’s umbrella brand RonaCare and the company will also be responsible for sales, logistics and application technology customer support.

Poppy seed extract is a skin firming substance, which displays lipolytic activity via a dual mechanism: inhibiting lipogenesis and activating lipolysis. The extract is especially suited for use in anti-cellulite products.

Michael Weiden, Head of Functional Materials within the Pigments & Cosmetics business unit at Merck, said: “We are a leading manufacturer of cosmetic ingredients and the course clearly continues to be set for growth in this area. We will continue to augment our innovative portfolio derived from in-house research and development by cooperating with external partners. Compliance with Merck quality standards is a most important precondition. Greenpharma distinguishes itself by high quality standards, intensive research work and environmentally sound product manufacturing. That makes it a perfect partner for Merck.”

Philippe Bernard, Chief Executive Officer of Greenpharma, added: “We are proud to serve our partner Merck as an innovative provider of R&D solutions. This agreement does illustrate Greenpharma’s capability to conduct R&D projects from a robust scientific basis to an active ingredient ready for the market.”