ZennCell Launches Development of 'Eye Fatigue Improvement Functional Material' Supported by the Ministry of SMEs and Startups

Genensel announced on the 25th that it has been selected as the lead research institution for the ‘2023 Health Functional Food Development Support Project’ conducted by the Ministry of SMEs and Startups.

Researchers are conducting research at the Genensel Laboratory.
Photo by Genensel

This project is a government-supported initiative providing technology development and customized consulting for approval to promising small and medium-sized enterprises in the functional ingredient sector. Through this, Genensel plans to develop a ‘functional material for improving eye fatigue.’ Earlier in April, the company was selected as a Phase 1 project planning company for this project and has now been chosen as the lead company for Phase 2 research and development (R&D).

This project involves the research team led by Professor Bae Hyo-cheol from Kyung Hee University’s College of Life Sciences as a commissioned research and development institution. They aim to complete preclinical efficacy studies for material development and secure evaluation data by April next year.

Genensel plans to utilize the Centella Asiatica extract powder component, which was approved by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety in 2021 as an ‘individually recognized health functional food ingredient’ for eye health functionality related to aging (maintenance of macular pigment density).

Kim Cha-soon, head of Genensel’s R&D division and the research director, stated, “Since standardization of the raw material, manufacturing process, and development of testing methods have been completed through prior research, positive results are expected in the mechanism elucidation and efficacy evaluation studies for adding the eye fatigue improvement functionality.”