Kookmin Bio

Kookmin Bio, established in January 2019, is a South Korean bio-health and pharmaceutical R&D company that emerged as a research spinoff from Kookmin University. The company was founded by Dr. Sung Moon-hee, a former professor and now honorary professor in the Department of Bio and Fermentation Convergence Technology at Kookmin University. Dr. Sung, a veteran in biotechnology with 35 years of research experience, has leveraged his extensive background to steer the company's focus.

The firm specializes in developing microbiome-regulating technologies to create new biopharmaceutical materials and functional health foods. Its core strategy involves isolating and utilizing patented microorganisms, such as Lactobacillus and Bacillus, from traditional Korean fermented foods. These microorganisms are used to produce beneficial metabolites that help regulate gut microbiota, forming the basis for products targeting significant health concerns. The company's business model encompasses both direct-to-consumer sales and B2B transactions with health retailers and wellness providers. Revenue is generated through the sale of its health products and functional foods. In November 2024, Kookmin Bio secured KRW 3.4 billion (approximately $2.5 million) in a Series B funding round, elevating its total attracted investment to over KRW 10 billion (about $7.5 million). This funding is earmarked for accelerating clinical research and expanding its health food business.

Kookmin Bio's product pipeline addresses areas like muscle strength improvement, sarcopenia treatment, and weight management, including body fat reduction. Flagship offerings include soy-based convenience foods and postbiotic boosters developed using proprietary fermentation technology. For instance, its 'SoyFrom' ready-to-eat meal line, which includes products like 'Kookmin Yak-Kong Soymilk' and 'Protein Bomb', surpassed 3.3 million units in sales within two years. These products, often utilizing domestically sourced soybeans, are designed for health-conscious consumers, athletes, and middle-aged individuals, primarily within the South Korean market with aspirations for global expansion. The company operates a GMP-certified commercialization center, enabling a direct link between its R&D efforts and manufacturing capabilities.

Keywords: microbiome, biotechnology, pharmaceutical R&D, functional foods, probiotics, postbiotics, gut health, fermentation technology, Lactobacillus, Bacillus, sarcopenia treatment, weight management, bio-health, Kookmin University, Sung Moon-hee, food technology, dietary supplements, drug discovery, health and wellness, soy-based products