Ludwigshafen, Germany / Pessac, France – July 10, 2015

BASF and Poietis, the first company in the world for 3D laser-assisted bioprinting, have signed an agreement on research and development in cosmetics. Based on the combined expertise of both companies in tissue engineering and bioprinting, the agreement aims to apply the bioprinting technology of Poietis to improve BASF’s skin equivalent model Mimeskin™. The terms and conditions of this agreement were not disclosed.

The 3D laser-assisted bioprinting technology, by which organic tissues can be reproduced, allows for a precise positioning of the skin cells in three-dimensional structures. Through this, cells are cultivated within BASF’s skin model Mimeskin™, which is the closest equivalent to the original physiological tissue of human skin. Dr. Fabien Guillemot, Founder and President of Poietis, remarks: "We are extremely pleased about this collaboration. Having long-term expertise in solutions for the dermocosmetics market, BASF understands the benefits of 3D laser-assisted bioprinting compared to conventional cell culture technologies and other bioprinting methods. The partnership also emphasizes bioprinted tissue models as an alternative to animal testing in cosmetics and dermopharmacy."

Poietis’ bioprinting technology refines BASF’s skin model Mimeskin™ due to its advanced printing resolution. The laser-assisted bioprinting technology will be used in a first step to allow for automated reproduction of Mimeskin™, followed by more advanced models containing additional cell types. Dr. Sebastien Cadau, responsible for tissue engineering development at BASF, points out: "Compared to other bioprinting methods the laser-assisted technology provides higher resolution when it comes to the patterning of cells. The partnership with Poietis allows BASF to secure its strategic advantage in better understanding the skin mechanisms which support the development and testing of advanced cosmetic bioactives for skin care applications."

About BASF

At BASF, we create chemistry — and have been doing so for 150 years. Our portfolio ranges from chemicals, plastics, performance products, and crop protection products to oil and gas. As the world's leading chemical company, we combine economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility. Through science and innovation, we enable our customers in nearly every industry to meet the current and future needs of society. Our products and solutions contribute to conserving resources, ensuring nutrition, and improving the quality of life. We have summed up this contribution in our corporate purpose: we create chemistry for a sustainable future. BASF generated sales of over €74 billion in 2014 and had around 113,000 employees as of the end of the year. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchanges in Frankfurt (BAS), London (BFA), and Zurich (AN). Further information on BASF is available on the Internet at www.basf.com.

About Poietis

Poietis has been fonded in September 2014 following a 2-year project at the Aquitaine Regional Incubator and after winning the French National Competition for Creation of Innovative Technology Companies. Poietis benefits from the research work conducted at the National Institute for Health and Medical Research (INSERM) and the University of Bordeaux in developing and using innovative 3D laser-assisted bioprinting technology to design, develop and manufacture biological tissues. This innovative technology operates on the principles of 3D printing and proceeds by layer-by-layer assembly of the constituents of biological tissues according to predefined 3D digital design organizations. The exclusive use of this technology allows Poietis to produce more complex, robust and customizable tissues than the ones currently obtained by the conventional methods of cell culture and tissue engineering. Further information on Poietis is available on the Internet www.poietis.com.