Mimetics (CEO Hyung-ki Park) announced on the 7th that it has recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Sungkyunkwan University to jointly develop innovative products and services in drug delivery.
The agreement aims to combine Sungkyunkwan University’s technological expertise with Mimetics’ industry know-how to create innovative solutions that meet market needs, strengthen leadership in both domestic and global markets, and contribute to the advancement of the drug delivery sector.
Under the partnership, the two sides plan to strengthen R&D capabilities, exchange talent, and enhance market competitiveness through technology transfer and commercialization. They also intend to identify joint projects, accelerate technology commercialization, and foster new product development to lay the foundation for future growth.
According to the agreement, Sungkyunkwan University will focus on fundamental research and technology validation, while Mimetics will be responsible for commercialization.
Founded as a student startup at Sungkyunkwan University, Mimetics has secured over 30 domestic and international patents and completed six technology transfers. The company has been conducting research on drug delivery systems inspired by the adhesion mechanism of octopus suction cups. Recently, it introduced negative-pressure patches containing various active ingredients and is preparing for pilot-scale production.
The transferred technology leverages the microscopic three-dimensional dome structure of octopus suction cups, which generates physical negative pressure, allowing adhesion regardless of surface characteristics. Sungkyunkwan University identified the principle through research and developed a wearable patch platform that applies negative pressure to the stratum corneum, creating microchannels for drug delivery. This consumer-friendly adhesive patch enhances the skin penetration depth of active ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and peptides by up to three times.
Mimetics plans to utilize the technology to improve the performance of existing products and develop differentiated new ones. The company also aims to expand its product lineup through technology advancement, pursue mass production processes, and push forward with commercialization. In addition, it seeks to enter the global market through partnerships with domestic and international collaborators.
A Mimetics spokesperson stated, “This agreement is significant in that it builds an innovative business model based on academic research achievements. By combining Sungkyunkwan University’s technological excellence with Mimetics’ market expertise, we will set a new standard in the drug delivery field and transform the paradigm.” The spokesperson added, “Through continuous innovation and development driven by academia-industry collaboration, we will grow into a company that fulfills its social responsibility, leads technological innovation, and earns global recognition.”
Lee Duri | ldr5683@mt.co.kr
