[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunseok Yoo] Woori Bio announced on the 10th that it will collaborate with Professor Kang Jin-han, head of the Vaccine Bio Research Institute at Catholic University, and Professor Kang Jin-yang, CEO of With Bio Cospharm, to develop products utilizing patented complex probiotic fermentation technology.
Woori Bio signed a "Business Agreement for Next-Generation Microbiome Product Research and Development" at its headquarters in Yeoksam-dong, Seoul, with the attendance of Woori Bio CEO Lee Soong-rae, Professor Kang Jin-han, and With Bio Cospharm co-CEO Lee Se-heon, among other stakeholders.
The patent (registration number 10-1805863) held by Professors Kang Jin-han and Kang Jin-yang pertains to a synbiotics manufacturing method and the fermented product (postbiotics) produced thereby, which contains beta-glucan particles stable to temperature and acid, expected to enhance immune function.
Through this agreement, the company explained that they plan to develop functional cosmetics with effects on improving chronic skin troubles including atopic dermatitis, and further collaborate on the development of specialized pharmaceuticals such as treatments for NASH (non-alcoholic steatohepatitis).
CEO Lee Soong-rae stated, “The complex fermented product developed this time demonstrates research achievements surpassing existing fermentation technologies, and we will do our best to launch new products not yet available in the market soon. We will continue to advance Woori Bio’s research and development capabilities through ongoing open innovation.”
Professor Kang Jin-han said, “Woori Bio is a partner with the ability to combine new technologies with market demand to develop competitive products and possesses a higher level of marketing insight. We expect great results through this joint development cooperation.”
CEO Kang Jin-yang said, “Through this collaboration, we hope to realize business potential by launching new paradigm products and expanding not only into the Korean market but also overseas markets.”
Woori Bio is a company specializing in natural material development and health functional foods. Last year, it recorded consolidated sales of 1.6726 trillion KRW and operating profit of 26.4 billion KRW, with sales increasing by 35.5% compared to the previous year and turning operating profit positive.
Professor Kang Jin-han is currently serving as a professor in the Department of Pediatrics and Adolescents at Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, Catholic Medical School, and as head of the Vaccine Bio Research Institute at Catholic University, conducting research related to vaccines and bio.
CEO Kang Jin-yang of With Bio Cospharm is a professor in the Department of Pharmacy at Samyook University and currently serves as dean of the Samyook University College of Pharmacy, conducting research on drug formulations and complex fermented probiotic methods and formulations.
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