Cosmax Group, a global leader in cosmetic research, development, and manufacturing (ODM), is joining forces with Harvard Medical School to develop new drug candidates and health supplement ingredients. This strategic move aims to expand the company’s research and business horizons beyond cosmetic raw materials into the high-potential bio and healthcare sectors. Industry watchers are closely monitoring the potential breakthroughs that could emerge from this collaboration between a top-tier cosmetic ODM and a world-renowned medical and research institution.
Cosmax Group announced on October 21 that it signed a second joint research agreement with Mass General Brigham (MGB) on October 13 (local time) at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) in Boston.
MGB is the healthcare and research system that oversees Harvard Medical School’s affiliated teaching hospitals, boasting vast clinical data and a rich pool of human resources, including researchers from Harvard Medical School. Both sides will conduct a joint research initiative titled the ‘VIVA (Vision, Innovation, Vitality, Advancement) Project’ from this year through 2029.
The initial research focus centers on weight and metabolic management. Cosmax and Harvard Medical School researchers plan to identify lactic acid bacteria and health functional food materials that function similarly to ‘GLP-1’ (glucagon-like peptide-1), a hormone utilized in popular diabetes and obesity treatments such as Wegovy and Mounjaro. Their vision is to isolate weight-management compounds from microorganisms to develop functional raw materials. Additionally, the partnership will pursue the development of anti-aging and slow-aging drug candidates.
This research combines Cosmaxβs accumulated microbiological research capabilities with Harvard Medical Schoolβs clinical research infrastructure. Since 2011, Cosmax has secured approximately 3,100 strains of microorganisms through ongoing research, filing 204 related patents, of which 110 have been registered. In 2019, the company successfully commercialized ‘microbiome cosmetics’ utilizing these microorganisms.
Cosmax also plans to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) technology into the research process. By applying AI analysis techniques to establish research hypotheses and screen candidate substances, the company aims to accelerate development speed and enhance accuracy.
The two parties previously conducted a first round of joint research from 2024 through July of this year. During that period, the joint research team discovered the mechanism by which specific microorganism-derived substances alleviate atopic dermatitis symptoms and improve skin barrier functions. The research findings were published in the international journal ‘Allergy,’ and Cosmax is currently pursuing the commercialization of related products based on these insights.
Lee Kyung-soo, Chairman of Cosmax Group, stated that through the VIVA Project, the company will use cosmetics as a stepping stone to secure technological leadership in the bio-medical sector.
