[Daily Pharm = Reporter Hwang Byeong-woo] As products utilizing PDRN are rapidly increasing, PYDERIN has embarked on market differentiation by leveraging its raw material technology and human application research.
Their strategy is to establish standards that pharmacists and consumers can trust by scientifically verifying the origin, purity, molecular size, and skin delivery capability of PDRN, rather than simply increasing products based on trends.
On the 21st, PYDERIN held the 'REDEFINE SYMPOSIUM' at the Josun Palace in Seoul, where it unveiled the PDRN raw material technology and research results applied to its products.
Even the same PDRN is different… Raw material specifications are the starting point
First, Lim Hye-won, CEO of Sebi Biotech, described PDRN as a DNA-based biopolymer and emphasized that the required characteristics of the raw material vary depending on the application field, such as cosmetics, medical devices, and pharmaceuticals.
PDRN is utilized in various fields including cosmetics, medical devices, and pharmaceuticals, based on its mechanism of action involved in anti-inflammation, cell and tissue regeneration, and blood vessel formation. However, she explained that it is difficult to apply a single raw material specification uniformly to all products because the required functions and applicable regulations differ by industry.
For cosmetics, a relatively small molecular size is required to consider skin delivery. On the other hand, for medical devices, physical properties such as viscosity and skin retention time must also be considered. This means that technology is needed to design the molecular size of PDRN to match the product's intended use.
In this situation, PYDERIN used PDRN raw materials with adjusted molecular sizes suitable for cosmetic application in its products. This means that they did not simply blend PDRN ingredients, but designed the size and specifications from the raw material stage, considering skin delivery.
CEO Lim stated, "PDRN for cosmetics needs to be designed with a relatively small size for absorption, while PDRN for medical devices requires a larger size for retention and viscosity. Technology that can adjust the raw material size according to the industry and product purpose is important."
The raw materials applied to PYDERIN also undergo a process of confirming the originating biological species. After receiving the raw materials, Sebi Biotech confirms the salmon species through genetic analysis and produces the raw materials to be applied to PYDERIN products after purification and molecular size adjustment.
CEO Lim emphasized, "We use genetic analysis methods to distinguish whether the raw material is actually salmon-derived. After confirming the origin of the raw material, we extract DNA and process it according to the product's intended use."
Confirmation of skin index changes through human application research
In the subsequent presentation, Dr. Seong Ki-soo, director of Cheongdam Junex Clinic (director of the Korean Society of Obesity and Aesthetics), introduced the results of human application research evaluating the skin applicability of PDRN formulations.
Researchers formed microscopic channels in the skin using a fractional laser and then applied the PDRN formulation. Subsequently, the procedure was repeated at regular intervals, and changes in skin condition were evaluated.
The study did not stop at simple visual evaluation but measured skin-related indicators such as wrinkle depth and pigment area. Participant satisfaction and discomfort reactions during product use were also examined.
Dr. Seong explained that major skin indicators improved after applying the PDRN formulation, and the improvement trend continued during follow-up observations. He added that almost no distinct discomfort reactions were observed during the research process.
This study is characterized by applying PDRN after creating skin delivery channels through a laser. It aimed to compensate for the limitations of PDRN's skin delivery due to its large molecular size and explored its potential for use in recovery and management after dermatological procedures.
Dr. Seong explained that if dermatological procedures and PDRN formulations are used in combination and the product is used repeatedly, it can also help with skin management after the procedure.
Topical PDRN, difficult to judge by content alone
Dr. Kim Jeong-bin, director of Cheongdam Junex Clinic, diagnosed that although PDRN has emerged as a popular ingredient in the cosmetics market, the quality of raw materials and skin delivery may differ among products.
This means that for topical PDRN to actually function on the skin, it must be scientifically designed, including raw material purification, molecular size, application concentration, and delivery method, not just simply blending ingredients.
Dr. Kim said, "Topical PDRN is effective, but there is one condition. It must be properly purified and made based on proper science. It does not work if it is made haphazardly."
PDRN has a relatively larger molecular size than common cosmetic ingredients like vitamin C. It is difficult to expect a sufficient amount to be delivered by simply applying it to the skin surface, and the molecular size and formulation must be designed to be suitable for skin absorption.
Even if a product contains a large amount of PDRN, if the actual delivery rate to the skin is low, it is difficult to achieve the expected effect. This is why it is necessary to consider the size, concentration, and delivery system that can actually reach the skin, rather than judging product efficacy solely by raw material content.
Dr. Kim emphasized, "The core criteria for choosing a good PDRN product are purity and molecular size. The technology lies in designing a small molecular size to enhance skin delivery and purifying DNA raw materials to high purity."
PYDERIN designed its products by increasing the purity of the PDRN raw material applied and simultaneously reducing its molecular size to suit cosmetic use. The presentation also explained that PYDERIN's raw material was designed with a smaller molecular size than conventional PDRN raw materials.
In particular, Dr. Kim evaluated that this raw material design is key to enhancing the skin delivery of PYDERIN's PDRN formulation.
He also introduced cases of using PYDERIN products after dermatological laser and injection procedures. This method involves managing skin dryness and irritation that may occur immediately after the procedure, and then repeatedly applying it to assist in the recovery of damaged skin.
Accordingly, it can be used as a basis for guiding appropriate products not only for post-procedure care in hospitals but also in pharmacies, considering the consumer's skin condition and procedure experience.
"Verification, Not a Trend"… Global Strategy Based on Pharmacy Trust
PYDERIN structured this symposium not as a simple product launch event but as a platform to disclose raw material technology and research evidence.
Kim Min-geon, CEO of PYDERIN, defined the brand's starting point as 'verification, not a trend.' He explained that the reason for starting PYDERIN was to confirm the value of the product with scientific evidence and data, and to create standards that would not waver over time.
PYDERIN chose pharmacies as its first distribution channel in November last year. According to CEO Kim, the product entered over 2,000 pharmacies nationwide within 8 months of its launch.
Currently, they are collaborating with Baekje Pharmaceutical, a domestic pharmaceutical distribution company, to supply products to pharmacies.
CEO Kim evaluated this not as a mere number of entries, but as the result of accumulated trust from pharmacists who gave an opportunity to a new brand.
PYDERIN also stated that it entered Shinsegae Duty Free Myeongdong branch in April this year to check consumer response, but withdrew after 45 days, judging that the expansion of distribution could damage the trust of existing pharmacy channels.
CEO Kim said, "I believed that the expansion of new channels should not undermine the value and trust of existing channels. We will become a brand that our partners can trust for a long time, rather than selling more."
He continued, "We will create a brand that pharmacists can confidently recommend as experts, and where domestic and international partners can trust PYDERIN's value and principles and grow together. We will prove our product quality in the global market."
Amidst fierce competition in the PDRN market, PYDERIN presented the origin and specifications of raw materials, skin delivery, and human application evidence as means of differentiation.
In the future, how specifically PYDERIN accumulates test results for each raw material and human application data, and connects them to evidence that can be utilized in pharmacies, will determine PYDERIN's verification strategy.
