BIONEER CORPORATION

Bioneer Leads Global RNA Research with microRNA Library Development

Following the awarding of the 2024 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for miRNA technology, Bioneer’s long-standing research on microRNA (miRNA) libraries and their applications, initiated in 2009, has garnered significant attention.

miRNAs are short RNA molecules that regulate protein synthesis from mRNA within cells. Approximately 2,600 miRNAs are present in the human genome, with each miRNA capable of regulating tens to hundreds of mRNAs, earning them the title of “commanders of the cell.” Due to this critical role, extensive research has linked miRNAs to various diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular disorders, and neurological conditions, spurring global efforts to develop diagnostics and therapeutics based on miRNAs. Essential to these studies is the ability to introduce or inhibit specific miRNAs.

In 2013, Bioneer became the first company in Asia to chemically synthesize miRNA mimics and inhibitors using the global miRBase database. These products have been used for internal research and supplied to institutions worldwide, including Japan’s Cancer Research Institute. The library includes all human genome miRNAs and is widely used in disease research and product development.

Bioneer has applied its miRNA library beyond research supply, integrating it into the development of diagnostics, therapeutics, and cosmetics. Leveraging its findings, the company plans to release innovative RNA-based products, advancing its goal to become a global comprehensive healthcare provider. Notable achievements include identifying optimal miRNAs to suppress lung cancer cells, leading to a patent application for a lung cancer treatment, and screening miRNAs that improve gray hair, resulting in the development of a gray hair-reducing cosmetic. With numerous related patents, Bioneer has solidified its foundation for miRNA research and commercialization, anticipating the release of groundbreaking products to the global market.

Additionally, Bioneer has launched CosmeRNA, an siRNA-based hair loss cosmetic, in major countries worldwide. This innovative product, which regulates hair follicle mRNA related to hair loss, has been recognized for its innovation, winning the Hair Category at the 2024 Cosmoprof Awards Bologna, the world’s largest beauty expo. Bioneer’s mass-production technology for miRNAs, facilitated by its large-scale synthesizers, is expected to commercialize miRNAs at competitive prices. The company is also advancing research for new cosmetic concepts, such as miRNA-based products that restore natural hair color or alter it.

Han-Oh Park, CEO of Bioneer and President of the Korea Research-Industry Association, remarked, “The miRNA library is the culmination of Bioneer’s years of research and accumulated technical expertise, with numerous publications and patents derived from it. With the Nobel Prize highlighting the importance of miRNA technology, we hope to make even greater contributions to RNA researchers worldwide through this library.” He added, “Bioneer has previously commercialized Nobel-winning technologies such as PCR, DNA synthesis, gene sequencing, and siRNA in Korea, and we are thrilled to now hold a record of being the first to commercialize a fifth Nobel Prize-winning technology in miRNA.”