South Korean immunology-focused drug developer Shaperon is diversifying its business portfolio through the acquisition of beauty device specialist NeedsTech, aiming to combine growth potential with stable profitability.
According to industry sources on June 17, Shaperon recently acquired a controlling stake in NeedsTech, becoming the company’s largest shareholder. To maintain cooperation with the existing management team, Shaperon also secured a right of first refusal on the remaining shares.
The deal is viewed as a strategic investment that allows a research and development-focused biotechnology company to establish a stable revenue base while expanding its technology into the consumer market.
South Korea’s biotech sector has long faced challenges stemming from the substantial funding requirements associated with lengthy clinical development programs. Delays in licensing deals or fundraising efforts can create significant earnings volatility.
Shaperon is currently focused on developing a portfolio of novel therapeutics, including atopic dermatitis candidate NuGel, Alzheimer’s disease treatment candidate NuCerin, and immuno-oncology drug Papiliximab, while conducting a Phase 2b clinical trial of NuGel in the United States.
The company expects the acquisition to provide access to a business capable of generating revenue more quickly, helping support continued investment in drug development programs.
NeedsTech operates home healthcare brand Hugrap and beauty brand Beaud, specializing in home-use beauty devices.
The company has expanded its presence in South Korea’s home beauty market through strong branding and digital marketing capabilities. Its profitability has been supported by a direct-to-consumer sales model, with company-operated online stores accounting for 77.7% of revenue in 2025.
NeedsTech also benefits from an asset-light business model centered on OEM and ODM manufacturing rather than operating its own production facilities, reducing fixed-cost burdens.
According to the company, NeedsTech recorded average annual growth exceeding 80% over the past three years. Cumulative revenue for 2024 and 2025 surpassed 17 billion won (approximately $12.4 million), and the company is targeting revenue of more than 20 billion won (approximately $14.6 million) and operating profit above 2 billion won (approximately $1.5 million) this year.
Shaperon plans to combine NeedsTech’s product planning and sales capabilities with its own biotechnology platform to expand into the functional beauty market.
In particular, the company believes its GPCR19-based inflammation-control technology and anti-inflammatory and anti-aging ingredient technologies developed through the NuGel program have significant potential for applications in cosmetics and beauty devices.
The company also plans to begin developing new functional beauty products utilizing these technologies.
Shaperon intends to pursue international expansion as well.
The company plans to leverage its U.S. subsidiary, Hudson Therapeutics, as a North American business hub to support the launch of NeedsTech products in the United States.
Using its local network, Shaperon is seeking to expand distribution channels and establish partnerships, with North American revenue potentially beginning as early as the second half of this year.
“This acquisition is not simply about expanding our scale,” a Shaperon official said. “It is a strategic investment designed to generate meaningful revenue by combining our biotechnology expertise with proven sales and marketing capabilities. Based on stable cash flow, we plan to further increase investment in our core pipeline programs and global licensing initiatives.”
Founded in 2008 by CEO Seong Seung-yong, Shaperon specializes in immune-modulation platform technologies. Seong, who previously conducted research at the National Institutes of Health, is known for introducing the Damage Associated Molecular Patterns (DAMPs) theory to the scientific community in 2004.
The company’s pipeline includes NuGel for atopic dermatitis, NuCerin for Alzheimer’s disease, NuPulcin for pulmonary fibrosis, NuSepin for COVID-19, NuAretin for alopecia areata, NuBeshin for obesity, and immuno-oncology candidate NuPilimab.