A UK-based biotechnology firm has secured $3.5 million in funding to scale an artificial intelligence platform designed to discover and design more effective ingredients for skin health and nutritional supplements. The approach uses a large dataset directly linking ingredients to measurable changes in human biology, aiming to replace traditional trial-and-error methods with predictive, data-driven development.
At the core of the platform is a proprietary dataset that connects specific ingredients, and combinations of ingredients, to actual changes in human microbial and host biomarkers. This allows researchers to model how certain inputs will shift biological systems before clinical trials begin. "Instead of saying a product 'improves skin', you can start to show how it's affecting host and microbial biomarkers which are aligned with our biology," explained Dr. Oliver Worsley, the company's co-founder. The shift is from single readouts to an integrated view of biology, which can provide a stronger foundation for product claims in a tightening regulatory environment.
The process begins by identifying a target biological signature through multi-omic data, which analyzes various molecular layers like genomics and proteomics. The AI then uses this data to select combinations of ingredients predicted to shift that system in a specific, desired way. Sequential's model moves away from tweaking single ingredients and instead focuses on designing synergistic combinations against a defined biological objective, such as modulating inflammatory pathways. This system-based approach is intended to increase the likelihood of delivering a tangible clinical benefit.
While initially focused on dermatology, the company notes significant overlap with ingestible health strategies. Many inflammatory and immune pathways measurable on the skin are influenced by systemic factors like diet, opening the door to linking oral supplements with visible skin outcomes. This connection is where multi-omic data becomes particularly powerful, enabling researchers to map external results based on internal inputs.
The new funding, co-led by Sparkfood and Corundum Systems Biology, will accelerate the commercial pipeline of products and services. The broader goal is to raise the standard of evidence in personal care and nutraceutical development. "There's a clear shift happening towards more biologically grounded product development," Worsley said, "and we think large-scale, real-world clinical data will play a central role in that." The company's work represents a growing trend toward precision formulation, where products are built from a deep understanding of human biological responses.