Bee venom research drives industrial Drug Discovery initiative in Republic of Korea

Who is affected

In the short term, users of cosmetics worldwide, and in the longer term, those with disease and degenerative conditions.

Narrative

Original research undertaken at Strathclyde into the chemistry of natural venoms led to publications about their modus operandi and long term potential for drug discovery. These publications attracted a Korean company that had invented a specialized apparatus to harvest large quantities of bee venom and wanted to commercially exploit the product. Our collaboration resulted in a changed commercial direction for the company to produce bee venom derived cosmetic/pharmaceutical products (“cosmeceuticals”) in pursuit of a much larger international market. The venture is being sustained by a £1 million commercial investment from the Korean government in support of the company’s technological refocus.

Impact status	Open
Category of impact	Economic and commerce, Health and welfare - new products, guidelines and services
Impact level	Benefit