The Honam National Institute of Biological Resources (HNIBR) has licensed a patented technology using Rosa rugosa (beach rose) bud extract for preventing and improving hair loss to cosmetics manufacturer Seomseom Bio. The deal, announced on March 11, 2025, signals growing supply-chain opportunities for overseas buyers seeking natural, clinically backed active ingredients for hair-care formulations.
Technology transfer agreement
HNIBR signed a technology transfer agreement with Seomseom Bio on March 11, covering patent application No. 10-2025-0076956 for a composition containing Rosa rugosa bud extract as an active ingredient for preventing, improving, or treating alopecia. The partnership aims to commercialize island and coastal biological resources through technology transfer, joint research, product development, and personnel training.
Efficacy data from animal trials
In animal studies, the Rosa rugosa bud extract group showed promoted hair growth compared to the alopecia-induced control group, with recovery of hair shaft thickness. Notably, the high-concentration extract group achieved hair thickness comparable to bicalutamide, a standard anti-hair-loss drug, confirming the ingredient's potential as a natural preventive and improvement material.
Commercialization plans
Seomseom Bio, a company specializing in R&D and production of natural-ingredient cosmetics, will develop anti-hair-loss cosmetic products using the Rosa rugosa-derived material. The extract was sourced from Rosa rugosa collected on Anjwado Island, Sinan County, South Jeolla Province.
Sourcing context
For overseas importers and distributors, this development highlights a new natural active ingredient with preclinical evidence for hair-care applications. HNIBR Director Park Jin-young stated, "We will continue to discover promising materials needed by companies and expand technology transfer so that research outcomes lead to tangible industrial results." Buyers should monitor patent status and clinical progression for potential ingredient sourcing or formulation partnerships.
Source: Read the original report | Published: March 11, 2025