Plcoskin, a Korean biotech startup specializing in anti-aging and regenerative medicine, has been selected for an international joint research project to develop a new material implant for breast reconstruction. Plcoskin, Yonsei University, and ‘Lipocoat’, a Dutch medical device coating startup, will receive about 2 billion won or $1.7 million (1.5 million euros) for three years.
Selected for ‘Eurostar’ collaboration
Founded in 2017, Plcoskin researches and develops artificial implants for soft tissues such as breasts and advanced regenerative medicine. Plcoskin’s research project – ‘Development of a polycaprolactone (PCL)-based biodegradable implant for breast reconstruction after mastectomy was selected for ‘Eurostar 2.’ It is an international joint technology development program operated by the European Commission and the secretariat of ‘Eureka’, a European joint research and development network.
Woo-yeol Baek, CEO of Plcoskin, said, “With this joint R&D, we will further develop artificial implant manufacturing technology with Lipocoat, a leading company in lipid film coating technology in the Netherlands, and PCL-collagen coating technology based on Plcoskin’s 3D printing.”
With the ‘Eurostar 2’ selection, Plcoskin plans to target the overseas regenerative medicine market. In the first half of last year, it was also selected as a promising overseas bio company in Seoul hosted by the Seoul Industry Promotion Agency (SBA). Currently, it is in the process of domestic approval and preparing for approval by the US FDA and European CE MDR next year.
Developing regenerative solutions for next generation
The startup is researching and developing regenerative skin, fillers, and breast prostheses for the next generation. Plcoskin is sharing research results with Yonsei Department of Biomedical Engineering. Dr. Dorafshar, Associate Professor at Johns Hopkins University, is the leading advisor for the research work of Plcoskin. “We are researching with Yonsei University to create a complex soft tissue that goes beyond the limits of existing regenerative treatment,” said a company spokesperson.
Plcoskin also has a cosmetics brand, YOULIEF, that currently produces and sells seven skincare products through 25 channels online and offline and is expanding. YOULIEF’s basic product line has been developed in cooperation with members of John Hopkins School of Medicine and Maryland Institute College of Arts.
