# The Development of Inorganic Ultraviolet Filters Exhibiting Improved Topical Retention on Human Skin for The Prevention of Skin Cancer

> **NIH NIH R44** · NANOMETICS, LLC · 2020 · $1,000,000

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY / ABSTRACT
This Phase II project is predicated on the NCI Phase I award 1R43CA236265-01 and is a resubmission.
Problem to be Solved and Significance: Exposure to Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) is a risk factor for the
development of skin cancer, and health care agencies recommend that sunscreens be used as a preventative
measure. A major limitation of commercial sunscreens is the need to continually reapply to gain full benefit.
This is because sunscreens contain UV filters that lack affinity with skin and are easily removed by normal
wear. The development of durable filters with improved retention on skin has the potential to mitigate UV-
mediated toxicities and remains a significant priority. Product and Long-Term Goal: Nanometics (d.b.a. PHD
Biosciences [PHD]) is developing novel titanium dioxide and zinc oxide UV filters that contain a coating that
interacts with skin proteins to improve topical retention time for up to 160 min. The novel UV filters are as
photoprotective and safe as commercial UV filters and readily synthesized from inexpensive starting materials.
They will be sold globally as ingredients for sunscreens and other topical products. It is anticipated that these
UV filters will alleviate the need for constant product reapplication. Technological Innovation: The surface of
commercial titanium dioxide and zinc oxide UV filters is covalently modified to contain a coating that interacts
with skin proteins to improve topical retention time. The coating is designed to form a stable interaction at skin
pH and can easily be removed by washing with soap and water. Specific Aim #1 Demonstrate that
modification with HPGA does not influence the dermal penetration profile of the UV filters when
evaluated on human skin explants. In this aim the dermal penetration profile of HPGA-Filters on cultured
human skin will be investigated. Success Criterion: This aim will be successful upon determining that the
HPGA-Filters do not penetrate to viable skin cells after a 48 h evaluation period. Specific Aim #2. Scale the
chemistry, manufacturing and control processes to produce the HPGA-Filters on 75 kilogram batch
sizes. The chemistry, manufacturing, and control (CMC) processes to produce HPGA-Filters in 75 kg batch
sizes will be developed. Success Criterion: This aim will be successful upon optimizing the procedure to
produce materials at 75 kg batch sizes with reproducible analytical profile and stability. Commercial
Opportunity: The global market for UV filters is estimated to exceed $650 million by 2019. Phase II SBIR
studies will include additional studies to confirm the safety on a larger number of volunteers; examine the
performance against leading commercial sunscreens; and optimize the chemistry, manufacturing, and control
(CMC) processes to produce the filters in multi-kilogram quantities. The technology is covered by a pending
patent that protects the PHD commercial and development interests.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10080275
- **Project number:** 2R44CA236265-02A1
- **Recipient organization:** NANOMETICS, LLC
- **Principal Investigator:** Steven Isaacman
- **Activity code:** R44 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $1,000,000
- **Award type:** 2
- **Project period:** 2018-09-18 → 2022-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10080275

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10080275, The Development of Inorganic Ultraviolet Filters Exhibiting Improved Topical Retention on Human Skin for The Prevention of Skin Cancer (2R44CA236265-02A1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-25 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10080275. Licensed CC0.

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