Merck at In-Cosmetics 2001 in Dusseldorf/Germany: Innovation in Cosmetics: Merck launches Emblica, a new plant- derived, free-radical-fighting ingredient for sk

Dusseldorf and Darmstadt/Germany (ots/PROTEXT) - At theoccasion of the international trade show In-Cosmetics 2001, beingheld in Dusseldorf/Germany from April 24-26, Merck KGaA todayannounced that it will launch Emblica, a patented combination ofactive ingredients extracted from the fruit of Phyllanthusemblica. Emblica is one of Merck's innovative market introductions forthe international cosmetics industry. The plant-derivedingredient possesses all the properties that make it ideal forcapturing free radicals while at the same time preventing furthermetal-induced oxidation. Both free radicals and oxidation areblamed for speeding the skin-aging process. Phyllantus emblica is a plant with important healingproperties and has been used for generations for this purpose inthe Indian life science Ayurveda for the treatment of numerousdiseases and disabilities. Emblica is extracted from the fruit ofPhyllanthus emblica using a gentle water-based process. Aspecially validated process ensures a high concentration ofactive components in the final preparation. "Customers are actively looking for new innovative cosmeticsubstances for anti-aging, anti-wrinkle, skin protection and careclaims in general. Merck's strategy in cosmetics is to focus onnew active ingredients that are well defined, documented andderived from Nature", said Klaus Bischoff, head of Merck's globalCosmetics business. "Emblica is a perfect example of this strategy," Bischoffadded. The ingredient is recommended for skin care and skinprotection, particularly in anti-aging and sunscreenformulations. The principal components of Emblica are the low molecular-weight tannins Emblicanin A and Emblicanin B. Emblica formscomplexes with the iron and copper that are present in the skin.This chelating process prevents the formation of hydroxy radicalsthat would otherwise cause damage to the skin. This particularproperty differentiates Emblica from other establishedantioxidants such as Vitamins C and E which, when present incertain concentrations, promote the reduction of metal ions and,thus, the formation of radicals. The essential advantages of Emblica are its stability andefficacy over a long period of time. While the effect of mostantioxidants decreases rather rapidly, the individual componentsof Emblica continue to be effective in a cascade fashion. Thesequential effects of such a cascade thus guarantee long-term andhigh level antioxidative protection. RonaCare Ectoin uses natural substance to protect skin, retainmoisture, prevent premature aging RonaCare Ectoin, which also is being presented at In-Cosmetics2001, is another new cosmetic ingredient from Merck that usesnatural means to achieve long-term protection of skin cells.Ectoin has been discovered in a special type of bacteria,enabling them to withstand damaging environmental conditions,such as high temperatures, dryness and UV radiation. RonaCareEctoin was first introduced to the market by Merck at theInternational Cosmetic Congress IFSCC 2000 in Berlin. Micro-organisms, which produce Ectoin for their ownprotection, have existed in extreme and hostile environments forthousands of years. They live quite happily in salt lakes,saturated rock salt solutions, the bitter cold and the intenseheat of the desert. Ectoin guarantees their survival in all ofthese hostile settings. Now these natural survival benefits of the bacteria are beingutilized by Merck for human skin with the new cosmetic activeingredient. Major international cosmetic makers have alreadyexpressed their intention to use RonaCare Ectoin in creams andother skincare products, as well as shampoos and lipsticks. "Ectoin protects the skin from being damaged by stress factorslike heat, cold and harmful chemicals in the environment bysupporting the repair and protective mechanisms of the cells,"said Merck researcher Dr Joachim Buenger. Furthermore, the newcosmetic raw material regulates the natural moisture of thecells, thereby preventing them from drying out. The result: theskin remains moist and supple for a longer period of time. Merck has been developing the new active ingredient in co-operation with Bitop GmbH, a biotechnology company based inWitten, Germany, which holds the patent for the productionprocess. Large-scale biotech manufacturing of the substance isdone at Merck's Darmstadt production site.

Emblica(tm) and RonaCare(tm) Ectoin are trademarks of MerckKGaA, Darmstadt. Headquartered in Darmstadt/Germany, the Merck Group generatesannual sales of EUR 6,7 billion in the fields of Pharmaceuticals,Specialty Chemicals, Lab Products and Lab Distribution. Foundedin 1668, the Merck Group is represented today by more than 200operating companies in 52 countries and employs 33,500 peopleworld-wide. The company groups its operating activities underMerck KGaA, in which E. Merck, as a general partner, holds theMerck family's 74 percent equity interest in Merck KGaA. TheMerck Group strongly believes that promotion of its employees'self-initiative and self-responsibility, application-orientedresearch and development and close customer relationships in themarkets are the keys to long-term corporate success. Contact: Phyllis Carter Phone +49 6151 72 7144 Fax +49 6151 727707 E-mail: phyllis.carter@merck.de Merck KGaA DarmstadtGermany

Merck KGaA Darmstadt Frankfurter Strasse 250 D-64293Darmstadt E-mail: pressestelle@merck.de Internet http://www.merck.de

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