.png)
MicroMediome is a startup that conducts research in the fields of oncology treatment, vaccines, drug delivery systems, and more, utilizing the microbiome and combining it with radiation or anticancer drugs. Founded in June 2022 by Professor Yoon Won-seok, who is a specialist in microbiome and immunology at the College of Medicine at Korea University, MicroMediom has a strong track record in microbiome research and holds numerous microbiome-related patents.
Professor Yoon has garnered recognition in the microbiome industry through participation in large research projects and the development of over 30 microbial patents. Currently, MicroMediom is pursuing the development of various products, including microbiome data and libraries, microbiome-radiation therapy combinations, microbiome-anticancer drug combinations, allergy treatment using microbiome, vaccines, and functional ingredients for fatigue recovery health supplements.
MicroMediome has secured a library for deriving microbiome candidate substances tailored to specific diseases by utilizing the clinical network within the Korea University Medical Center. They emphasize the importance of stability evaluation and mechanism validation equivalent to chemical drug development from the early stages of candidate substance discovery and verification, given the recent failures in proving efficacy in clinical phases 2 and beyond in microbiome-based therapies.
MicroMediome aims to extend the range of microbial strain utilization beyond probiotics, clarifying the MoA (Mechanism of Action) for tumor microenvironment regulation and immune system activation. They intend to develop more reliable anticancer drugs and vaccines in terms of safety and efficacy.
Professor Yoon states that MicroMediom is well-equipped for selective development based on their pre-established microbiome library and robust research capabilities, including extensive experience working with clinicians and publications.
MicroMediome's pipeline for microbiome-related therapies primarily focuses on microbiome-radiation therapy combination, microbiome-anticancer drug combination, allergy treatment (for conditions such as atopic dermatitis and asthma), and vaccines. They plan to prioritize the development of "microbiome-radiation therapy combination" due to its rapid progress and expand further based on their achievements.
MicroMediome plans to develop anticancer drugs sequentially, starting with colorectal cancer, lung cancer, and head and neck cancer. They aim to develop allergy treatments and oral vaccines using microbiome's fine-tuning of the gut microenvironment, immune system regulation, and drug delivery capabilities.
MicroMediom is also preparing to develop functional ingredients for health supplements and cosmetics using by-products from their microbiome library. They aim to enhance the company's self-sufficiency through rapid commercialization of these materials.
Professor Yoon shares the inspiration for founding MicroMediom, stating that the company was established with the goal of realizing healthcare solutions for refractory diseases and innovative microbiome healthcare, rather than purely academic research.
MicroMediome has received recognition for its endeavors and is part of the Korea University Campus Town initiative, which aims to support economic revitalization in the university's vicinity through collaboration between the university and the local community. They were awarded the grand prize in the Korea University Campus Town Startup Contest, which provides them with free workspace and legal advice.
Regarding future plans, Professor Yoon mentions that they will develop prototype products to prevent radiation exposure damage and enhance the efficacy of radiation therapy using microbiome in line with the support from Korea University Campus Town and Seoul's R&D support program. They also plan to promote clinical research and development in collaboration with Korea University Hospital and aim to establish a clinical research branch in Basel, Switzerland, with a focus on international expansion and technology export.
Established Date: June 2022 Primary Business: Medical and Pharmaceutical Research and Development Achievements: Selected as a recipient of the KU-MAGIC Technology Commercialization Incubation Support from Korea University College of Medicine in 2020-2021, awarded the G-Local Korea University Anam-dong Campus Town Project in June 2022, selected as a supported company for the Hongneung Special Zone Project in October 2022, chosen for the Seoul Technology Research Institute's Technology Matching Program in December 2022, secured a contract for microbiome analysis services with Anam Hospital in January 2023, signed an investment agreement with Korea University Medical Technology Holdings in June 2023, designated as a subsidiary of Korea University Medical Technology Holdings, and attracted 300 million KRW in investment from SynergyIB in June 2023.
[2023 고려대학교 캠퍼스타운 스타트업 CEO] 마이크로바이옴을 이용한 연구 수행하는 스타트업 ‘마이크로메디옴’ https://magazine.hankyung.com/job-joy/article/202308220947d