Huons Biopharma said Friday it signed a strategic investment agreement with VERNI Aesthetics on Wednesday at its head office in Pangyo, Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province.

VERNI Aesthetics, a biotech startup founded by dermatologists, is developing MRC101, a fat decomposition injection currently in phase 2a clinical trials.

Under the agreement, the two companies will establish a strategic partnership to enhance their competitiveness in the aesthetics market. Through this investment, Huons Biopharma will secure the commercialization and manufacturing rights for MRC101. The company plans to diversify its product portfolio by adding new aesthetic products alongside its flagship botulinum toxin (BTX). Additionally, the two companies will collaborate on advancing the follow-on pipeline for MRC101.

“This investment is a strategic decision to expand our presence in the market by securing a promising aesthetic lineup,” said Kim Yeong-mok, CEO of Huons Biopharma. “We will establish a close working relationship with VERNI Aesthetics to maximize synergies in R&D.”

Kang Si-ha, co-CEO of VERNI Aesthetics, stated that the company would continue to develop the MRC101 pipeline in collaboration with Huons Group, actively pursuing open innovation opportunities.