BIONEER CORPORATION

Bioneer Secures Japanese Patent for miRNA Technology to Treat Graying Hair and Hair Loss

Bioneer announced on the 23rd that it has received a decision of patent registration in Japan for its self-developed miRNA-based technology, which serves as a novel pharmaceutical and cosmetic composition capable of improving both graying hair and hair loss.

The newly registered patent covers a composition that utilizes microRNA (miRNA) as an active ingredient to reduce hair graying and prevent or alleviate hair loss. Bioneer selected miR-3139, miR-3189, miR-3199, and miR-8485, and incorporated its proprietary SAMiRNA platform technology to develop a double-stranded miRNA-based formulation.

Graying hair is one of the most common physiological signs of aging, caused by a decline in the function of melanocytes or their stem cells within hair follicles, leading to decreased melanin production. Bioneer's technology aims to activate melanocytes and stimulate pigment production, helping delay the graying process and potentially restoring pigment to already gray hair.

In addition, the composition promotes the proliferation of dermal papilla cells and keratinocytes, improving the hair growth environment and showing effectiveness in alleviating hair loss symptoms. It demonstrates potential as both an RNA-based therapeutic and a functional cosmetic product. Unlike conventional hair dyes that simply coat the hair with color, this technology addresses the underlying pigmentation, offering a differentiated approach.

This patent has been registered in both Japan and Russia, and Bioneer is currently pursuing additional patent applications in major regions, including South Korea, the United States, and Europe. Leveraging its large-scale synthetic gene production infrastructure and miRNA library mass production system, Bioneer continues to supply competitively priced oligonucleotides, synthetic genes, and miRNAs to the global market.

Bioneer has also secured core oligonucleotide-related technologies, including RNAi-based siRNA and miRNA, its SAMiRNA platform, and synthetic gene technology, and has built a robust patent portfolio in the related fields.

Looking ahead, Bioneer plans to accelerate the commercialization of RNA-based cosmetics that combine hair loss treatment and hair coloring functions, positioning them as next-generation innovative products in the global market.

A company representative stated, “This Japanese patent registration proves the potential of our new RNA-based technology to simultaneously improve graying hair and hair loss. Going forward, we will continue to enhance our competitiveness in the functional bio product market based on Bioneer’s proprietary platforms.”