News
2022.11.02
▲Lee Su-won, director of Dx&Vx Microbiome R&D Center
Dx&Vx is accelerating its new business using microbiome. The company plans to provide personalized solutions tailored to each patient by combining diagnostic know-how and domestic and international research capabilities.
The Dx&Vx microbiome R&D center carries out the core business of Dx&Vx. The center is led by director Lee Su-won, who has been working on microbiome research since 1975. Lee, as an expert in the field of microbiome, also spearheaded the development of Mamiai, a representative probiotic product of Beijing Hanmi Pharmaceutical in China.
Lee emphasized “The R&D center is on the mission of examining and commercializing beneficial strains of numerous samples […] We are capable of developing a new product with selected strains based on our technologies.”
The company's microbiome business had started off with its affiliated company, Coree Group. Coree Group is an overseas technology investment company established by Lim Chong-yoon, president of Hanmi Pharmaceutical and the largest shareholder of Dx&Vx. Its main research center is located in Beijing, China. Since 2012, Lee and Lim has led the successful localization of Mamiai, which has generated 200 billion in annual sales, and research on the field of microbiome.
Lee said, “It is expected that the new Microbiome R&D center will create synergy with the existing Molecular Genetic R&D center. […] We will develop a tailored health supplement and treatment using the personal diagnosis based on Dx&Vx’s technology capabilities and Coree’s research capabilities.”
Dx&Vx’s microbiome research will be conducted in two phases: new drugs and health supplements. The development of new drugs will focus primarily on brain diseases, diabetes/obesity and respiratory infections. When certain advances are made, global clinical trials will also be conducted using Coree’s networks including major hospitals in Italy.
“When I first began research on microbiome, I didn’t expect it to be utilized as a treatment. However, now a lot of possibilities are anticipated. […] The microbiome market could be invigorated ahead of the stem cell market,” he said.
Developing new drugs takes a long time to verify the results, thus carrying a high risk. Dx&Vx is planning to complement its business with health supplement business early next year.
With the acquisition of Korea Biopharm this September, the company geared up for the expansion of its health supplement business. Currently, 12 categories have been set aside, including intestinal health, diabetes and obesity supplements, respiratory immune health, atopic dermatitis, and vaginal probiotics. Starting with respiratory immune health products from next February, the company plans to release a total of 12 products in the first half of next year.
Lee assured, “Dx&Vx’s health supplement business is competitive in that it has an all-in-one business structure that can produce and distribute its own bacterial strains.”
Dx&Vx generated 13 billion won sales in the first half of this year, surpassing last year's annual sales record. In addition, the company succeeded in its corporate reformation by switching to surplus for two consecutive quarters. The company is expected to rack up record profits this year. Moreover, by attracting 17.8 billion won in investment, the company has prepared a driving force to promote new business.
Lee stressed, “Dx&Vx is advised by my technology that continues all the way from Hanmi Pharmaceutical to Coree group. […] As we have the best team and foundation for the commercialization of microbiome products, we will soon be able to realize our growth potential.”
Source: E-today