KIST and Sinsin Pharm Sign Exosome-Hydrogel Platform Technology Transfer Agreement for Inflammatory Disease Treatment

On January 24, 2025, KIST (President: Sang Rok Oh) signed a technology transfer agreement with Sinsin Pharm (CEO: ByoungKi Lee) for the development of an exosome-hydrogel platform for the treatment of inflammatory diseases. The signing ceremony was held at KIST’s headquarters in Seongbuk-gu, Seoul. The signing marks a significant step in collaborative efforts to advance targeted therapies for diabetic foot ulcers and psoriasis.

Diabetes is a prevalent health concern in South Korea, affecting approximately one in three adults over the age of 65. Among diabetic patients, 15–25% experience diabetic foot ulcers (DFU), a severe condition that can lead to limb amputation in advanced cases. While current treatments such as antibiotics, blood flow enhancement, and debridement surgery exist, they are often associated with high recurrence rates and slow healing.

Similarly, psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease caused by immune system dysfunction. Despite the availability of steroid creams, phototherapy, and immunosuppressants, current treatments focus on symptom management rather than a permanent cure. Prolonged treatment poses significant burdens on patients, highlighting the urgent need for more effective and patient-friendly therapies.

To revolutionize inflammatory disease treatment, a research team at KIST has proposed a sprayable hydrogel therapy incorporating milk-derived exosomes. These milk exosomes are highly stable, biocompatible, and cost-effective for mass production. With natural anti-inflammatory and regenerative properties, they can be further enhanced by encapsulating active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) such as bilirubin to maximize therapeutic efficacy.

By integrating exosomes into functional hydrogels, the KIST research team aims to introduce a spray-type hydrogel that can be directly applied to wound areas, transforming the treatment paradigm for inflammatory diseases.

To ensure the swift commercialization of this breakthrough technology, KIST has committed to supporting Sinsin Pharm through its BP Plus program for the next two years. This initiative will facilitate joint laboratory operations between the two organizations, enhancing technology readiness levels (TRL) and market preparation.

Dr. Young Mee Jung, Principal Researcher at KIST’s Biomaterials Research Center and principal investigator for the study, commented, “This novel sprayable hydrogel, combined with a high-efficacy exosome complex, enables rapid and convenient application to large wound areas to treat inflammatory diseases. We believe this technology has the potential to overcome the limitations of existing treatments.”

KIST President Sang Rok Oh emphasized the importance of strategic partnerships, stating, “Sinsin Pharm is a leading company specializing in topical pharmaceuticals. We are thrilled that KIST’s cutting-edge research is transitioning from the laboratory to real-world applications through this collaboration. KIST will continue to provide institutional support to ensure this technology can be commercialized.”

Sinsin Pharm CEO ByoungKi Lee added, “This technology transfer will enable us to offer an innovative, patient-friendly treatment for diabetic foot ulcers and psoriasis, addressing the high unmet medical needs in these conditions. Through close collaboration with KIST, we will show our commitment to delivering high-quality pharmaceutical solutions that improve patients’ quality of life.”

Founded in 1959, Sinsin Pharm is a leading provider of external-use pharmaceuticals, specializing in patches, aerosols, and liquid formulations. As South Korea moves toward a super-aging society, the company is actively developing convenient and accessible medications to enhance the quality of life for elderly patients.

Through this strategic partnership, KIST and Sinsin Pharm aim to set new standards in inflammatory disease treatment, reinforcing their commitment to scientific innovation and patient-centered healthcare solutions.