UniMe Spin-off · Founded 2023

Where Science
meets
Nature

InnovaHelix develops patented natural biocomplexes that revolutionize pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, nutraceuticals and veterinary medicine. Rigorous science, natural ingredients, global impact.

One Health Natural Patents Preclinical Validation Open Innovation
LENIXINA® – Patented
One Health Approach
UniMe Spin-off
About Us

Where Science and Nature Meet

InnovaHelix is an innovative startup and spin-off of the University of Messina, founded in September 2023 by a team of researchers with decades of experience in biology, pharmacology, intellectual property and business development.

01
Rigorous Research
Preclinical validation with international protocols on murine, equine and zebrafish models.
02
Technological Innovation
We transform laboratory discoveries into concrete applications for pharmaceutical, cosmetic and nutraceutical markets.
03
Sustainability & Impact
Natural ingredients, eco-compatible processes and a One Health approach for global ecosystem health.
04
B2B Partnerships
Strategic bridge between academia and market, with technology licensing and custom co-development.

"To discover and valorize the benefits of natural resources to develop innovative solutions that promote global wellbeing and health."

— InnovaHelix Mission
Vision To become the reference partner for pharmaceutical, cosmetic, nutraceutical and veterinary companies seeking the highest quality, scientifically validated bioactive ingredients ready for industrialization.
FoundedSeptember 2023
Spin-offUniversity of Messina
ApproachOne Health
Pharmaceutical Cosmetic Nutraceutical Veterinary
Patents & IP

Technology Portfolio

Four patented biocomplexes, scientifically developed and validated, ready for licensing agreements and co-development.

Patent Granted
LENIXINA®
Mucosal regeneration & wound healing

Regenerative bioactive complex for mucosal protection, advanced wound healing and treatment of inflammatory conditions. Validated on murine GERD model.

Snail secretion filtrate
Opuntia extract
Multi-target mechanism: Tissue regeneration · Antioxidant protection · Anti-inflammatory action
PharmaceuticalCosmeticNutraceuticalVeterinary
Patent Granted
N-LENIXINA
Respiratory support & mucolytic

Mucolytic and regenerative formulation for respiratory support. Reduces NAC dosage by 40% while maintaining full therapeutic efficacy.

Snail secretion filtrate
N-Acetylcysteine (NAC)
–40% NAC dose reduction
RespiratoryPharmaceuticalVeterinary
Application Pending
COLIXINA®
Advanced anti-inflammatory with flavonoids

Validated on colitis and systemic inflammation models. Inhibits COX/LOX, controls cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α) with 35% synergistic superiority.

Snail secretion filtrate
Quercetin 10–25%
–65% Mucosal damage+35% Synergy
GastroenterologyNutraceuticalVeterinary
Application Pending
LENEXOL
Neuroprotection & cognitive wellbeing

Neuroprotective complex for cognitive support, reduction of neuroinflammation and wellbeing of the central and peripheral nervous system.

Snail secretion filtrate
Selected bioactive extracts
Targets: Neuroinflammation · Neuronal oxidative stress · Neuroprotection
NeurologyNutraceuticalPharmaceutical
Scientific Publications

Peer-Reviewed Validation

Our research is published in indexed international journals. Every patent is supported by rigorous scientific evidence.

2026
Protective effect of snail secretion filtrate in an in vitro model of mastitis
Franco GA, Marino Y, Crupi R, Di Paola D, Cuzzocrea S, Gugliandolo E
Vet Rec Open · 2026 · 13(1):e70027
PubMed →
2022
Snail Mucus Filtrate Reduces Inflammation in Canine Progenitor Epidermal Keratinocytes (CPEK)
Messina L, Bruno F, Licata P, Di Paola D, Franco G, Marino Y, Peritore AF, Cuzzocrea S, Gugliandolo E, Crupi R
Animals (Basel) · 2022 · 12(14):1848
PubMed →
2021
The Protective Effect of Snail Secretion Filtrate in an Experimental Model of Excisional Wounds in Mice
Gugliandolo E, Macrì F, Fusco R, Siracusa R, D'Amico R, Cordaro M, Peritore AF, Impellizzeri D, Genovese T, Cuzzocrea S, Di Paola R, Licata P, Crupi R
Vet Sci · 2021 · 8(8):167
PubMed →
2021
Protective effect of snail secretion filtrate against ethanol-induced gastric ulcer in mice
Gugliandolo E, Cordaro M, Fusco R, Peritore AF, Siracusa R, Genovese T, D'Amico R, Impellizzeri D, Di Paola R, Cuzzocrea S, Crupi R
Sci Rep · 2021 · 11(1):3638
PubMed →
Reference Markets

Four Strategic Sectors

Our technologies apply to high-value markets with documented global growth potential.

Pharmaceutical
APIs & Active Ingredients

Patented active ingredients for the treatment of inflammatory conditions, mucosal pathologies and gastrointestinal and respiratory health support.

Cosmetic
Skincare & Dermocosmetics

Anti-aging, regenerative and wound-healing formulations with scientifically validated bioactive ingredients for premium skincare and dermocosmetics.

Nutraceutical
Functional Supplements

Functional supplements for gastrointestinal, immune, joint and anti-aging wellbeing, with documented mechanisms of action.

Veterinary
Pet & Livestock Health

Therapeutic solutions for companion and livestock animals: anti-inflammatory treatments, respiratory support and wound healing.

Integrated Services

What We Offer

From preclinical research to technology transfer, from formulation to scientific marketing.

Preclinical Research & Pharmacology

Comprehensive in vitro and in vivo studies with murine, equine and zebrafish models, following certified international protocols.

  • In vitro and in vivo studies (murine, equine, zebrafish)
  • Pharmacological and toxicological evaluation
  • Efficacy studies for nutraceuticals, cosmetics and medical devices
  • Biocompatibility and cytotoxicity testing (ISO 10993)
  • Histological, biochemical and molecular analyses
  • Inflammation and neuroinflammation models

Natural Formulation Development

From molecule to finished product: screening, development, stability and industrial transfer of innovative natural formulations.

  • Screening and characterization of natural biocomplexes
  • Innovative formulation development (creams, serums, syrups, supplements)
  • Stability, compatibility and synergy studies
  • Scale-up support and process transfer
  • Drafting of functional and scientific claims
  • Regulatory compliance (cosmetics, MD, supplements)

Innovation & Technology Transfer

Strategic support for IP valorization, partnership development and access to national and European funding programmes.

  • Patent analysis and mapping (AI-driven)
  • Technology economic valorization strategies
  • Business modelling and techno-economic validation
  • Open Innovation and public-private ecosystems
  • Support for European, national and regional calls (Horizon, PNRR, Urban and beyond)
  • Digitalization roadmap and AI/IoT adoption

Scientific Marketing & Branding

Strategic positioning and technical-scientific communication for companies pursuing excellence in their market.

  • Market analysis and competitive benchmarking
  • Brand positioning and scientific branding
  • Integrated marketing plans product/price/communication
  • Digital marketing and AI marketing
  • Technical-scientific copywriting
  • Promotional materials and white papers

Scientific Consulting & Dissemination

Comprehensive support from manuscript drafting to scientific communication, from conferences to European dissemination plans.

  • Scientific manuscript drafting and review
  • Scientific communication for companies and universities
  • Conference, workshop and course organization
  • Training on pharmacology, nutraceuticals, AI for R&D
  • Dissemination plans for European projects and spin-offs

Partnership & Project Management

Coordination of R&D consortia, building strategic partnerships and managing complex European projects.

  • Technical-scientific coordination of R&D consortia
  • European deliverable, milestone and reporting management
  • Industrial partnership building and negotiation
  • Project impact and ex-ante/ex-post sustainability analysis
  • Industrial and commercial scalability support
Open Innovation

Consulting and European Projects

We support public and private entities in building national and international partnerships for access to funding programmes. InnovaHelix is an active scientific partner for building public-private ecosystems that bring research to real territorial impact.

Are you building a consortium for a European call? Do you have a public or private project requiring scientific and strategic expertise? Contact us.
EU Urban Initiative Active Project

GreCo — Green Cultural Oases

City of Milazzo (Transfer Partner) · InnovaHelix Strategic Consultant

InnovaHelix supports the Municipality of Milazzo in its role as Transfer Partner in the European GreCO project, funded by the European Urban Initiative – Innovative Actions. The project aims to transform coastal cities into sustainable and regenerative tourism destinations. We support the Municipality in context analysis, operational planning and adaptation of innovative solutions to the Milazzo territory.

🗺️

Analysis & Planning

Transfer Capacity Survey, territorial SWOT Analysis, local operational roadmap for testing GreCO solutions

🤝

Facilitation

Local stakeholder engagement, European deliverable management, coordination with the project Transfer Expert

🌍

International Positioning

Milazzo as a Mediterranean reference case for regenerative tourism replicable in other European coastal contexts

"Transforming research into wellbeing, valorizing nature with scientific rigor"

Scientific Excellence Intellectual Property One Health Sustainability Innovation
Our Team

People & Expertise

A multidisciplinary team of researchers, IP experts and business developers. Hover over a card to learn more.

SC

Stefano Crupi

CEO & Strategy
SC

Stefano Crupi

CEO & Strategy

Leads company strategy, commercial development and relationships with industrial partners and investors.

stefano@innovahelix.it
RC

Rosalia Crupi

Scientific Director
RC

Rosalia Crupi

Scientific Director

Directs scientific research, development of patented complexes and supervision of experimental protocols.

rosalia@innovahelix.it
AC

Antonio Crupi

IP & Tech Transfer
AC

Antonio Crupi

IP & Tech Transfer

Responsible for technological innovation, intellectual property, patenting and licensing agreements.

antonio@innovahelix.it
EG

Enrico Gugliandolo

R&D Science
EG

Enrico Gugliandolo

R&D Science

Co-leads research and development of patented complexes. New formulations and innovative therapeutic applications.

enrico@innovahelix.it
VT

Veronica Trifiletti

Business Development
VT

Veronica Trifiletti

Business Dev. & Partnership

Responsible for developing institutional and public-private partnership opportunities. Liaison with strategic stakeholders.

veronica@innovahelix.it
FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

InnovaHelix S.r.l. is an innovative startup and spin-off of the University of Messina, founded in 2023. It stands out for original patents on natural biocomplexes with applications in pharmaceutical, cosmetic, nutraceutical and veterinary sectors. The model is based on technology licensing, co-development of formulations and industrial and academic partnerships.

They are innovative formulations derived from natural active ingredients, protected by patents. The portfolio includes LENIXINA® (wound healing), N-LENIXINA (respiratory support), COLIXINA® (anti-inflammatory with bioactive flavonoids) and LENEXOL (neuroprotective). All validated by peer-reviewed scientific studies.

You can collaborate through technology licensing agreements, co-development contracts or scientific partnerships. To start a collaboration, simply contact the team by email at info@innovahelix.it or fill in the contact form. The team responds within 48 business hours.

Yes. InnovaHelix offers co-development of custom formulations for pharmaceutical, cosmetic, nutraceutical and veterinary sectors: chemical and biological validation, regulatory support and production process optimization, with laboratories at the Department of Veterinary Sciences, UniMe.

Technologies apply in: (1) Pharmaceutical — natural active ingredients for OTC and prescription; (2) Cosmetic — bioactive ingredients for anti-aging cosmeceuticals; (3) Nutraceutical — supplements and functional foods; (4) Veterinary — wound healing, anti-inflammatory and immunostimulating products for companion and livestock animals.

InnovaHelix is active within the Horizon Europe and EU Urban Mission programmes. It is available to build consortia with companies, universities and research centres for European calls.

Collaborate With Us

Let's Build Something Together

Are you a pharmaceutical, cosmetic or nutraceutical company? A research laboratory? An investor? Contact us to explore licensing, co-development and strategic partnership opportunities.

Registered Office

Piazza Municipio, 8
98042 Pace del Mela (ME) — Italy

Operational Office

Dept. of Veterinary Sciences
Polo Universitario dell'Annunziata
98166 Messina

VAT No.

03760630834