# Furthering the clinical development of a first in class, water resistant sunscreen to meet emerging environmental regulations

> **NIH NIH R43** · NANOMETICS, LLC · 2021 · $398,768

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY / ABSTRACT
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. Recent legislation in the U.S. and internationally has banned the sale of ingredients that are
fundamental to water-resistant sunscreens, creating an urgent need for new products that satisfy existing and
emerging legislation.
Product and Long-Term Goal: The product of this SBIR will be a wholly biocompatible SPF 30 broad spectrum
sunscreen cream, sold in 6-oz tubes, that satisfies FDA’s criteria to be labeled as ‘Water Resistant (80 min)’ and
is based on the Nanometics (d.b.a. PHD Biosciences [PHD]) proprietary elastomer technology. Successful
development of this sunscreen product directly addresses the mission of the National Cancer Institute by
improving protection against UVR and decreasing the risk of skin cancer.
Technological Innovation: The PHD sunscreen incorporates PHD’s proprietary biodegradable elastomer
technology, which is the first plant derived elastomer for topical products that provides water resistance, is
compatible with all Food and Drug Administration approved UV filters, and recapitulates the favorable aesthetic
properties of silicone elastomers.
Specific Aim #1. To demonstrate that the PHD Sunscreen is water resistant for at least 80 min on healthy
volunteers. Studies in this Aim will be conducted under FDA guidance and will demonstrate the feasibility that
the PHD sunscreen is resistant to removal with water after 80 min of continuous immersion in water. Success
Criterion: This Aim will be successful if after 80 min of water immersion, the mean SPF falls within one standard
deviation of the pre-immersion SPF of 30.
Commercial Opportunity: The global sunscreen market is projected to exceed $2.5 billion by 2023. Primary
and secondary market research supports the need for the PHD Sunscreen to meet the emerging needs created
by new legislation. Phase II SBIR studies will include additional studies to confirm safety on a larger number of
volunteers; compare performance to leading commercial sunscreens; and optimize the chemistry,
manufacturing, and control (CMC) processes to produce the product at commercial scale.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10255409
- **Project number:** 1R43CA257692-01A1
- **Recipient organization:** NANOMETICS, LLC
- **Principal Investigator:** Steven Isaacman
- **Activity code:** R43 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $398,768
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2021-05-01 → 2022-10-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10255409

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10255409, Furthering the clinical development of a first in class, water resistant sunscreen to meet emerging environmental regulations (1R43CA257692-01A1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-22 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10255409. Licensed CC0.

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