From the Depths of the Sea to the Medicine and Cosmetics Cabinets

In recent years, the potential for the use of therapeutic substances originating in the sea has been steadily developing. Scientific publications have provided evidence of success in the use of various marine organisms in curing cancer, building the skeleton, treating viral diseases, and more. Recently, the research and development program of the European Union (HORIZON 2020) made headlines by supporting an international project that sought to examine the possibilities of using algae for cosmetic and medical preparations, as well as for the treatment and prevention of inflammatory diseases, including Crohn's and colitis.

Harnessing the Power of the Sea
Sealaria, a groundbreaking Israeli biotechnology company, specializing in the cultivation and processing of Gracilaria, a macro algae, thrives in the depths of the sea, serving as a rich source of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and essential fatty acids. Sealaria has pioneered a unique gelatinization process, unlike traditional extraction methods, ensuring that all the potent properties of the seaweed are retained in the final product. Arnon Feldman, a partner and founder of Sealaria, emphasizes the company's commitment to innovation, from the cultivation of algae to the processing of raw materials.

According to Feldman, using the traditional process, the extraction of algae is similar to brewing tea, with most of the plant material "simply being thrown away." In the unique development of Sealaria, all the power of the algae remains in the finished product, and therefore the products are many times more effective than any competing product in the Global market.

Unveiling Unprecedented Efficacy
In a recent clinical trial conducted according to European cosmetic standards, Sealaria's Gracilaria-based raw material exhibited remarkable effectiveness. Dr. Moti Shemtov, the scientific advisor at Sealaria, notes the material's ability to add moisture, firm facial skin, and enhance elasticity. The trial also revealed its role in preventing wrinkles and reducing their depth, with improvements observed over a 60-day period. These results underscore the extraordinary success of Sealaria's approach, preserving the synergy of Gracilaria throughout the product development.

Natural and effective substitute for chemical treatment agents
Algae grown by Sealaria contains natural sulfated polysaccharide, which is the natural agar-agar structure that makes up the cell wall. It is a substance found only in marine plants, which does not exist at all in terrestrial plants. "Our technology preserve the natural sulfated polysaccharide synergistic, unlike the extracted polysaccharide agar-agar, which is an inert (inactive) substance," notes Noam Zeichner, CEO and founder, and elaborates: "Synergistic polysaccharide is actually a polysaccharide that produces an active and breathing protective layer on the skin. Our process is unique in the world and as such it retains all the aromatic ingredients and vitamins in the product. It is a natural and effective substitute for chemical treatment agents. In addition, our gel enhances formulas in cosmetic preparations. Products that we manufacture with a license by the Medical Devices Division of the Ministry of Health are intended for the rehabilitation of skin damage, and accelerating healing of wounds. Therefore the integration of raw materials produced from the gelatinized red algae in various skincare and healing preparations is necessary and essential. One of the products is a gel applied to the skin that helps the wound healing process in addition to soothing the skin. This is the first step toward drug development by the company."

A pioneer in the production of products from macro red algae
Sealaria stands as a trailblazer in industrial production from macro Red algae. Zeichner highlights their commitment to cleanliness, with the company's seaweed deemed essentially kosher by the ultra-Orthodox community, signifying the highest level of plant material purity. The advanced technology allows Sealaria to produce raw material from Gracilaria that preserves its components synergistically, enabling the formulation of various preparations.

Zeichner, adding that in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the company developed a substance that has been proven in the Ministry of Health's viral-laboratory to be effective in preventing and curing viral infections. The test was conducted directly on the coronavirus. "The product is currently used, within regulatory limitations, as a healing catalyst, tested and found effective at a US Navy medical institute, for use on non-healing wounds. In addition, the formula received a medical device license from the Ministry of Health for the labeling of 'gel applied to the skin that helps in the wound healing process in addition to soothing the skin.'" He also indicates that in response to a widespread need in the population, the unique Sealaria raw material has been used as the main ingredient in a client's formula for the treatment of anal fissures. The fissure product has also been clinically proven in Sheba Tel Hashomer laboratories to have a level of efficacy of above 90%.

"This is a huge achievement for a natural substance," Zeichner states. On 2023 the company conducted a clinical test in Europe that demonstrated impressive effectiveness in moisturizing the skin, helping to tighten the facial skin, adding elasticity to the skin, helping prevent wrinkles, and reducing the depth of wrinkles.

"This is an Israeli technology aimed to establish an industry that will strengthen Israel and market cosmeceuticals and consumer products all over the world. Sealaria vision is to reach every home, clinic, and drugstore chain around the globe. Our mission is to make natural and effective preparations as accessible to any pocket, for the healing and relieving a variety of skin problems and others, at an affordable price," concludes Zeichner.

In association with Sealaria, Rosh Hanikra