South Korean biotechnology company LISCure Biosciences Inc. has achieved a significant regulatory milestone with the approval of Mobiome®, the world's first scientifically validated probiotic ingredient specifically developed for hair health. The Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (KMFDS) granted the approval in February 2025, paving the way for both domestic and global commercialization.
The proprietary probiotic ingredient represents a breakthrough in the hair care market, which has traditionally been dominated by pharmaceutical treatments and topical products like shampoos. This regulatory expansion is expected to catalyze significant growth in the hair health sector.
Scientific Validation Through Rigorous Testing
Mobiome® was developed using LISCure's proprietary technology platform and has demonstrated impressive efficacy across multiple stages of testing. In preclinical models, the probiotic ingredient showed enhanced antioxidant activity and exhibited notable anti-inflammatory effects.
Mechanistic studies provided deeper insights into how Mobiome® functions, confirming its ability to stimulate follicular cell proliferation and regulate follicular cell cycles—key processes in maintaining healthy hair growth.
The human clinical trials delivered particularly compelling results. Participants experienced statistically significant improvements in hair glossiness, elasticity, and overall satisfaction (p<0.05, 95% confidence level). The benefits extended across multiple hair-related parameters, including texture, split ends, dryness, breakage, tangling, and damage.
Market Potential and Growth Projections
According to global market research firm Research and Markets, the hair growth supplement market is poised for substantial expansion. The sector is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14.7% from 2023 to 2030, reaching an estimated market value of $1.92 billion (approximately KRW 2.7 trillion) by 2030.
This regulatory approval positions LISCure to capitalize on this growing market while expanding its portfolio of functional ingredients. Beyond hair health, the company is actively developing ingredients targeting joint health, mental health, weight management, and kidney health.
Broader Corporate Strategy and Pharmaceutical Pipeline
While advancing its functional ingredient business, LISCure is simultaneously accelerating its global pharmaceutical initiatives. The company has initiated patient dosing for LB-P8, a liver disease treatment that has received Investigational New Drug (IND) approval for Phase 2 clinical trials. The treatment has also secured both Orphan Drug designation and Fast Track designation from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
LISCure is further advancing the joint commercialization of its brain shuttle platform, Exo-Pass N, in collaboration with global pharmaceutical partners. The company is also expediting the development of immuno-oncology therapies targeting colorectal and pancreatic cancers.
Strategic Business Development and IPO Plans
Leveraging anticipated success from its global drug pipeline and growing revenue from functional ingredients, LISCure is preparing for an initial public offering (IPO). The company aims to establish a stable and sustainable revenue model through its functional health ingredient segment while maintaining focus on its core pharmaceutical R&D and technology licensing business.
"Securing the world's first regulatory approval for a hair health probiotic is a major milestone in our R&D efforts," stated Hwa-Sup Chin, CEO of LISCure Biosciences. "By leveraging our proprietary platform technologies, we will continue expanding our pipeline beyond pharmaceuticals to include innovative functional health ingredients. Our strategy is to optimize the balance between therapeutics licensing deal with global big pharma and functional ingredient sales to strengthen our global competitiveness."
Diversified Approach to Bioscience Innovation
LISCure's dual-track approach—developing both pharmaceutical treatments and functional ingredients—represents a strategic diversification that could provide financial stability while pursuing longer-term drug development goals. The approval of Mobiome® not only validates the company's scientific capabilities but also establishes a precedent for probiotics as viable solutions for hair health concerns.
As the first company to secure regulatory approval for a hair health probiotic ingredient, LISCure has positioned itself at the forefront of an emerging market segment that bridges traditional pharmaceuticals and consumer health products.
