Editor’s Note
**Editor’s Note:** Neopharm’s latest research on its non-steroidal ingredient AMPamide™, featured in the Root Hill Mild Shampoo, has been published in the SCI-level *Annals of Dermatology*. The study highlights clinical efficacy and scalp microbiome improvements in seborrheic dermatitis patients, underscoring the company’s commitment to evidence-based dermatological innovation.
Neopharm (CEO Kim Yang-soo) announced on the 15th that a research paper on its Zeroide ‘Root Hill Mild Shampoo,’ which applies the self-developed non-steroidal ingredient ‘AMPamide™,’ has been published in the ‘Annals of Dermatology,’ an SCI-level journal issued by the Korean Dermatological Association.
The paper is titled ‘Clinical Efficacy and Scalp Microbiome Changes Induced by AMPamide-Containing Shampoo in Patients With Seborrheic Dermatitis.’ The study involved researchers from Neopharm’s Research Institute (CRID Center), the Department of Dermatology at Konkuk University College of Medicine, and the Department of Systems Biotechnology at Chung-Ang University. It analyzed the clinical efficacy and scalp microbiome changes in patients with seborrheic dermatitis using the AMPamide-containing shampoo.
The research team had 30 adult men and women with seborrheic dermatitis use Zeroide Root Hill Mild Shampoo at least five times a week for four weeks. They then compared clinical symptoms and scalp environment changes before and after use. Results showed that the average scalp sebum level decreased from 127.06 to 66.52, a reduction of approximately 48% compared to before using the shampoo. The Clinical Severity Score, which comprehensively evaluates erythema, dandruff, itching, and lesion extent, also decreased from 7.17 to 3.60, a reduction of about 50%.
Scalp microbiome analysis revealed that while bacterial communities remained generally stable, fungal diversity increased. Notably, ‘Malassezia restricta,’ which is relatively abundant in seborrheic dermatitis lesions, decreased, while ‘Malassezia globosa,’ commonly found on healthy scalps, increased. This indicates a trend toward a more balanced scalp microbiome.
Neopharm explained that these results demonstrate the importance of scalp care that goes beyond simple cleansing to remove dandruff, considering sebum, inflammatory responses, and the scalp microbial environment comprehensively. If further validation considering various scalp characteristics follows, it is expected to provide a broader understanding of the changes in the scalp environment induced by AMPamide application.
AMPamide is a proprietary ingredient developed by Neopharm in August 2020, which aids in moisturizing, skin barrier conditioning, and soothing. Last year, it completed registration as a new raw material with China’s National Medical Products Administration (NMPA), proving its competitiveness in the global market.
Meanwhile, Neopharm has independently developed differentiated ingredients such as MLE®, which mimics the skin barrier structure, Dualguard™, and Lipimoide™, and has accumulated R&D achievements, securing 83 patents. The company continues to strengthen its technological competitiveness by applying its self-developed ingredients to its products and expanding validation through clinical research and academic papers.