Solfarcos
Solfarcos is a dynamic and innovative Biotechnology company specialized in developing and manufacturing peptides and proteins for disruptive applications in wellness and health sectors, in particular pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. Our highly qualified team, gathers expertise in Molecular Biology, Bioinformatics & Molecular Simulations, Protein Engineering, Peptide Synthesis, Enzymology, Nanoencapsulation, Inflammation & Immunology, Cosmetics Formulation, Hair Sciences, Skin Modelling, and Chemical Analysis.
Founded in 2016 as a spin-off from the University of Minho, Solfarcos has experienced rapid expansion, evolving into a robust and independent entity. In 2023, we took a significant step by relocating our headquarters and laboratories to a fully renovated 2600 square meter building in Braga city center, where an industrial unit is also set for the in-house production of proteins and peptides.
Our commitment in listening and responding to human needs and our drive for Research and Development (R&D) has led to notable advances which translated into innovations in beauty care, such as keratin-derived peptides for hair fibre molecular repair, and in pharma care, with a targeted liposomal treatment for Rheumatoid Arthritis. Solfarcos has successfully patented several technologies, holding exclusive exploitation rights in hair cosmetics, skin cosmetics, and pharmaceutical fields.
Our ambition to transform the world with functional peptides and proteins has even climbed higher since December 2023 with Unilever Prestige Group taking a shareholding of Solfarcos.
Establishment of Solfarcos.
Company set up by co-founding partners Professor Artur Cavaco Paulo and Dr Eugénia Nogueira.
Mission
Our focus is on developing biomolecules as pharmaceutical and cosmetic ingredients, contributing to human well-being and promoting environmental sustainability.
Vision
Our goal is to become the leading reference in bio-based solutions for pharmaceutical and cosmetic applications worldwide. We strive to revolutionize and enhance the industry, leading the way in innovation, research, and development.
Values
We believe in working and innovating as a team, consistently striving for excellence, while remaining attentive to people's needs. We also value sustainability and respect for the environment as one of our core principles.
Management Team
Solfarcos´s team is composed of highly skilled professionals with specialized expertise in Molecular Biology, Bioinformatics & Molecular Simulations, Protein Engineering, Peptide Synthesis, Enzymology, Nanoencapsulation, Inflammation & Immunology, Cosmetics Formulation, Hair Science, Skin Modelling, and Chemical Analysis. Supporting the team of Scientists, the very dedicated technicians and administrative staff make working at Solfarcos the most joyful and inspiring experience.
Research and Manufacturing Facilities
Solfarcos facilities are designed to accommodate the company´s expansion needs, aggregating four product development lines – Pharmaceuticals, Hair Cosmetics, Skin Cosmetics and Protein Bioengineering – and three cross departments – Analytics, Production and Regulatory Affairs.
Our laboratories are endowed with state-of-the-art equipment for peptide and protein synthesis, purification and isolation of active ingredients, and safety and performance evaluation in hair strands and skin models.
The production plant is designed in a continuous flow which allows a semi-automated, controlled and adaptive fermentation process for cosmetic-grade manufacturing of recombinant proteins.
The building also includes meeting rooms, training facilities, administrative and leisure areas, as well as an auditorium intended to benefit the working environment for our growing team and promote collaboration and innovation. Besides the already impressive productive, technological and social areas, there are still 600 square meters in the building available for expansion, either to reinforce a specific department or as a strategy for diversification.
