Novel sunscreen that protects skin and helps repair damage
Official title: A Novel Sunscreen Formulation, Broad Spectrum UV Protection for Cancer Prevention Featuring Photoreactivation to Repair Existing Sun Damage
Funded at Framergy, INC. · NIH-11404372 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new sunscreen additive designed to block UV light, trap harmful byproducts, and deliver DNA repair enzymes to help prevent and fix sun-related skin damage.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 1 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Framergy, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Wilmington, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 1, 2026 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $400,000 |
| NIH project number | 1R43CA314462-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11404372 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates include adults with a history of sun exposure who are seeking enhanced sun protection and skin cancer prevention.
✕Less likely to help
People with sunscreen allergies to the formulation components or those not exposed to sunlight may see limited benefit.
What this research studies
framergy, Inc. and Johns Hopkins University are developing a next-generation sunscreen additive that combines UV blocking with detoxification of harmful byproducts and delivery of a DNA repair enzyme. The team plans to use titanium metal-organic frameworks to capture reactive molecules formed by sun exposure and to stabilize and immobilize photolyase on the skin. This project focuses on creating a safer, more effective sunscreen that could reduce the risk of actinic keratosis and skin cancer by addressing both prevention and repair. The grant funds early development and testing to move toward a practical product, with a goal of improving skin health for people who spend time in the sun.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this additive could offer stronger protection against sun damage and help repair existing damage, potentially lowering skin cancer risk.
How similar studies have gone: Previous sunscreens have improved protection, but this approach is novel in combining UV blocking, byproduct scavenging, and DNA repair enzyme delivery.
Where this research is happening
-
Framergy, INC.
Wilmington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ozdemir, R. Osman K. — Framergy, INC.
- Study coordinator: Ozdemir, R. Osman K.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.