This graphic shows APR's planned manufacturing plant for PDRN and PN in Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi Province. Courtesy of APR By Ko Dong-hwan APR is enhancing its skin rejuvenating technologies by using new natural substances, positioning itself to challenge the global anti-aging "skin booster" market, according to the country’s major global beauty-tech company, Thursday. The company said that it will unveil new strategic measures later this month, leveraging its recently developed capabilities to manufacture polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN) and polynucleotide (PN).
These natural substances, known for their tissue-regenerating and anti-inflammatory properties, can be extracted from the semen or testes of salmon or trout. PDRN and PN were introduced in Korea in 2008, when the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety approved them for medicinal use. Initially used mainly for medical treatments, these substances have since gained popularity in skincare and beauty.
The company explains that the applications of PDRN and PN can vary significantly based on the size of their molecules and the length of their nucleic acids. The company plans to complete construction of a new manufacturing plant for PDRN and PN by the end of this year. Spanning over 13,000 square meters, the facility will be located in Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi Province.
The company aims to begin producing samples shortly after the plant’s completion. The expansion follows an announcement last year by Korea's fishery ministry that the global market value of PDRN-related products is expected to reach $7.68 billion next year.
Market observers also anticipate that the global skin booster market will surpass $1.5 billion in value by 2030. To tap into this burgeoning market, APR plans to introduce a new PDRN value chain to supply a wide range of beauty-tech products.
The company first aims to supply PDRN and PN substances to other beauty-tech companies. It will also strengthen its skincare brand, Medicube, by launching new ampule or cream-based cosmetic products containing PDRN or PN. According to APR, the new lineup of cosmetic products will be formulated to achieve optimal results when used in conjunction with Medicube’s beauty-tech device brand, Age-R.
The company also plans to extend the applications of PDRN and PN beyond the skin to other areas of the body, such as knee joints, further expanding APR's presence in the global bio-healthcare market. “PDRN and PN are increasingly critical substances in the global beauty industry,” an APR official said, adding that the company has been researching the substances and their potential applications in the beauty industry for the past three years. “Based on the substances, our company will prepare a comprehensive framework for our anti-aging and skin care businesses to represent the K-beauty tech industry.
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