The Forest Science Institute, technology transfer of barley rice grass for hair loss prevention effects...applied in shampoos

(Daejeon=Yonhap News) Reporter Park Joo-young = The National Institute of Forest Science under the Korea Forest Service announced on the 4th that it has transferred the technology of 'a composition for preventing hair loss or promoting hair growth containing barley straw extract or its fraction' to Iru Medical through a customary licensing system.

The technology fee is 100 million won annually.

A customary licensing system is a non-exclusive system that allows a company to use the varieties protected by the institution within a certain scope.

Barley straw is an evergreen broadleaf vine native to Jeju Island and the southern coastal areas.

The Forest Biomaterials Research Institute of the National Institute of Forest Science confirmed the effect of enhancing mammary cells, which play an important role in hair growth and development, from the extract of barley straw branches, and completed the patent registration based on this.

The institute produced a prototype in the form of a topical agent, verified the stability of the raw material formula and the safety of clinical application, and completed the listing in the International Cosmetic Ingredient Dictionary.

Iru Medical reviewed the technology presented by the National Institute of Forest Science at the 'InterBiz Bio Partnering & Investment Forum 2025', underwent technology consulting, and received the technology transfer.

It plans to apply it to hair conditioning products and shampoos within this year.

Dr. Choi Sik-won from the Forest Biomaterials Research Institute said, "This technology transfer will enhance the value of domestic native barley straw and contribute to the revitalization of the forest bio-industry," and added, "We will promote technology exchanges with several companies in the future."

jyoung@yna.co.kr