Excerpts from "Indian Innovators – 20
Brilliant Thinkers Who Are Changing India” A Book by Akshat Agrawal , published
by Jaico Publishing House Delhi
Mrinmayee’s journey
towards innovation began when she enrolled for an MSc (Microbiology) program at
Pune University and started working for her thesis on Protein Synthesis
Inhibitors. One of her female relatives suffered from abnormal facial hair
growth and had to face embarrassment because of that. Mrinmayee began to wonder
if the solution lay in protein synthesis inhibitors, whether they could be used
to retard the growth of unwanted hair.
She adds that most
permanent hair-removal methods, such as laser treatment and electrolysis, are
very expensive and have side-effects. Moreover, these methods may not be
equally effective for everyone, depending on their skin and hair color.
Furthermore, the
topical (cream-based) products available in the market for hair removal may
sometimes lead to skin darkening or thicker and faster hair regrowth. The chemicals
in the creams may also cause allergic reactions in some people.
Mrinmayee envisaged a
solution that would stop hair growth altogether, rather than just removing hair
periodically. The solution would use naturally occurring ingredients, so that
there were no side-effects, and would be affordable and easy to use.
She got back in touch
with her guide at University of Pune, who helped her connect with Dr Kishori Apte,
an expert on animal testing at the National Toxicology Center, Pune. Dr Apte,
who has 25 years of experience in toxicology and pharmacology and is also
associated with the APT Research Foundation, Pune, helped Mrinmayee to further
her research at the APT Research Foundation and carry out toxicology studies at
the National Toxicology Center.
Initial toxicology and
efficacy studies were completed in 2004 and Mrinmayee filed for her first
patent in 2005 – an Indian patent titled ‘Topical composition for inhibiting
the growth of mammalian hair’.
However, despite the
physical, financial and emotional setbacks, they continued working, and
finally, Romantaque was re-launched on July 1, 2012.
Romantaque is the only
clinically proven herbal product that inhibits hair growth,” explains
Mrinmayee. She mentions another clinically proven hair-growth inhibiting
product, Vaniqa (pronounced as Van-i-ka), but says that unlike Romantaque, it
is a chemical formulation. “Vaniqa can be used only on the face, not on other
parts of the body. And unlike Romantaque, it does not work well for everybody.”
Mrinmayee explains that Romantaque is very
simple to use. It needs to be applied 24 hours after a hair-removal session
(such as waxing or threading) and then twice a day for the next 10 days. “This
should be done after every hair- removal session and results are perceptible
after the second or third cycle. Fewer hair regrow and hair is shorter in
length and thinner. As hair growth reduces, so does the pain involved in hair
removal. Also, you do not need to go for hair removal as often.
Hair removal from the
follicle, for example, by waxing, epilating, threading or plucking, opens up
the orifice and exposes the hair follicles. When Romantaque is applied
regularly, these follicles are either partially or completely deactivated,
resulting in reduced or no regrowth. Romantaque can also be used if you shave
or use depilation creams, but the effect is slower, as can be expected.”
Mrinmayee’s story is a
classic case of victory against all odds. The journey was long and arduous, but
she did not give up. Her faith in her vision, and the ambition of turning it
into reality, kept her going in the toughest of situations. She is indeed a
great inspiration for all innovators and entrepreneurs.
From “Indian Innovators” by Akshat Agrawal : Page 20-28Published by JAICO PUBLISHING HOUSE under ISBN 978-81-8495-659-7
BUY NOW: https://www.amazon.in/Indian-Innovators-Akshat-Agrawal/dp/8184956592/
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