EyeGene
EyeGene Co., Ltd. (KOSDAQ: 041590) is a South Korean clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing a diversified gene and cell therapy pipeline — mRNA vaccines (EG-R platform), recombinant botulinum toxin, meningococcal conjugate vaccine, AAV gene therapy, and CAR-T — for government health authorities, domestic and international pharmaceutical partners, and Korean healthcare consumers, primarily via licensing, co-development, and government R&D contracts.
- Company typePublic
- Founded2000
- HeadquartersSeoul, South Korea
- Headcount51–100
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What EyeGene does
EyeGene Co., Ltd. (KOSDAQ: 041590) is a clinical-stage South Korean biopharmaceutical company founded in June 2000 by former CJ CheilJedang researchers, focused on Gene and Cell Therapy (GCT) with a diversified pipeline spanning mRNA vaccines, AAV gene therapy, CAR-T cell therapy, recombinant proteins, and conventional conjugate vaccines. Its proprietary EG-R mRNA vaccine platform uses a cationic liposome delivery system that avoids LNP/PEG-related safety concerns, enables lyophilized room-temperature storage, and circumvents dominant mRNA patents — a meaningful differentiator for technology out-licensing. Pipeline assets include EG-rBTX100 (next-generation 150 kDa recombinant botulinum toxin, planned 2026 global out-licensing and 2027 export), EG-MCV4 (quadrivalent meningococcal conjugate vaccine, Phase 2/3 approved June 2025, Korean launch planned 2028), EG-Mirotin (non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy treatment, partnered with Ilsung Pharmaceutical), EG-AAV01 (ophthalmic AAV gene therapy, co-developed with Nexcellera), and CAR-T (BAFFR) via the spun-off Renaim Therapeutics.
The company's revenue model is pre-commercial and multi-modal: licensing royalties from technology out-licensing (EG-R, EG-rBTX100), recurring government R&D contracts (e.g., ~KRW 30B Hantavirus program with KDCA, plus prior ~KRW 22B vaccine development support), co-development and milestone payments (Ilsung, Y-Biologics, Renaim), and future product sales (botulinum toxin 2027, EG-MCV4 2028). GTM motion combines enterprise licensing/co-development with government-procured R&D and partnered regional distribution. Capital structure is well-funded post the December 2023 Korea BMI control acquisition (KRW 150B private placement) and the December 2025 KRW 32B rights offering, with cash reserves exceeding KRW 200B as of September 2025; the new controlling shareholder has pivoted the company from a pure R&D/licensing model toward a profitability-oriented commercialization strategy, signaled by CEO Choi Seok-geun's appointment in February 2024 and the addition of a BD Head. Headquartered in Uiwang-si, Gyeonggi-do, with a US subsidiary (Eyegene Bioscience Inc., established 2005) and a 51–100 employee base, EyeGene is positioned as a platform-licensing and selective commercial biopharma serving Korean government health authorities, domestic and international pharmaceutical partners, and downstream Korean healthcare consumers.
EyeGene firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- EyeGene
- Legal name
- EYEGENE Co.,Ltd.
- Website
- https://eyegene.co.kr
- Company type
- Public
- Founded year
- 2000
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 51–100 employees
- Short description
- EyeGene Co., Ltd. (KOSDAQ: 041590) is a South Korean clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing a diversified gene and cell therapy pipeline — mRNA vaccines (EG-R platform), recombinant botulinum toxin, meningococcal conjugate vaccine, AAV gene therapy, and CAR-T — for government health authorities, domestic and international pharmaceutical partners, and Korean healthcare consumers, primarily via licensing, co-development, and government R&D contracts.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
EyeGene industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Biopharmaceuticals
- NAICS
- Research and Development in Biotechnology (except Nanobiotechnology) (541714), Biological Product (except Diagnostic) Manufacturing (325414)
- SIC
- Biological Products, (No Disgnostic Substances) (2836), Pharmaceutical Preparations (2834)
- akta.pro primary industry
- AAV Vector Gene Therapy Developers (HLAAACAA)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Ophthalmology Gene Therapies (HLAAACAG), Non-viral Gene Delivery & Gene Therapy (LNP, polymers, electroporation, physical methods) (HLAAACAC), Specialty Injectable & Infusion Therapies (Cross-therapeutic) (HLAIACAO)
Keywords
Where EyeGene is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Seoul
- HQ country
- South Korea
- HQ region
- Asia
Offices2 records
Markets served
EyeGene business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain
Revenue model
- Licensing Royalties and Technology Transfer: Revenue generated through out-licensing of proprietary technology platforms (mRNA delivery system EG-R, recombinant botulinum toxin) and pipeline assets to large pharmaceutical companies globally. Non-exclusive licensing for botulinum toxin planned for late 2026.
- Government R&D Contracts and Subsidies: Revenue from government-funded vaccine development projects including Hantavirus vaccine (RS-2026-25517540, ~KRW 30B over 2 years), pandemic mRNA vaccine development, BCG booster tuberculosis vaccine (HV23C0011), and multi-valent COVID-19 mRNA vaccine (HV23C010100).
- Product Sales (Near-term Revenue): Near-term revenue from botulinum toxin export (planned 2027), quadrivalent meningococcal conjugate vaccine domestic sales (planned 2028), and medical device filler products.
- Co-development and Milestone Payments: Revenue from co-development agreements including EG-Mirotin diabetic retinopathy treatment with Ilsung Pharmaceutical, and meningococcal vaccine partnership with Y-Biologics, sharing development costs and future profits.
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels5 records
EyeGene product offering
Product offeringCore offering
EyeGene is a South Korean clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing a diversified Gene and Cell Therapy (GCT) pipeline, anchored by its proprietary EG-R mRNA vaccine platform using cationic liposome delivery (avoiding LNP/PEG patent barriers and enabling room-temperature lyophilized storage). Pipeline assets include recombinant botulinum toxin EG-rBTX100, quadrivalent meningococcal conjugate vaccine EG-MCV4, mRNA COVID-19 vaccines (EG-COVID, EG-COVII), AAV gene therapy candidates for ophthalmic diseases, BAFFR CAR-T cell therapy for hematologic cancers, EG-Mirotin for diabetic retinopathy, and EG-Decorin for wound healing. The company commercializes primarily through technology out-licensing, co-development partnerships with pharmaceutical companies, and government-funded vaccine contracts.
Product overview
EyeGene (아이진) is a biopharmaceutical company specializing in Gene and Cell Therapy (GCT) with a diversified pipeline spanning mRNA vaccines, AAV gene therapy, CAR-T cell therapy, recombinant proteins, and conventional vaccines. The company operates its proprietary mRNA vaccine platform (EG-R) using cationic liposome delivery technology. Core products include: EG-rBTX100 (recombinant botulinum toxin for aesthetic/therapeutic use), EG-MCV4 (quadrivalent meningococcal conjugate vaccine in Phase 2/3), COVID-19 mRNA vaccines (EG-COVID and EG-COVII multivalent vaccine), ophthalmic candidates (EG-Mirotin for diabetic retinopathy, EG-AAV01 for macular degeneration), CAR-T therapies for blood cancers, and EG-Decorin for wound healing. The company also licenses technology to partners including Huons for certain products.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- EG-rBTX100 Recombinant Botulinum Toxin
Quantifiable outcome
- EG-COVID mRNA vaccine demonstrated safety (no directly related adverse events or serious reactions) and dose-dependent immunogenicity (antibody seroconversion increasing with dose) in Phase 1 clinical trial in Korea.
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use EyeGene
Customer profileNamed customers4 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
EyeGene technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature5 records
EyeGene partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Nine partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- MediCeBio (메디치바이오)coreEyeGene was selected for the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency's 'Priority Infectious Disease Pandemic Preparedness Rapid Development Technology Building Support Project' for hantavirus vaccine development. The ~KRW 30 billion (over 2 years) project is conducted jointly with MediCeBio and Korea University. This represents EyeGene's mRNA platform extension into a priority government-funded infectious disease program.
- Korea University (고려대학교)coreCo-research partner alongside MediCeBio in the government-funded hantavirus mRNA vaccine development project (RS-2026-25517540), contributing academic research expertise to the ~KRW 30 billion government program.
- Renaim Therapeutics (레나임테라퓨틱스)coreEyeGene's affiliated company (关系사) developing mRNA-based personalized cancer vaccine RTX-V002, DMOAD osteoarthritis treatment RTX-T001, and BAFFR CAR-T cell therapy. EyeGene's mRNA platform technology is shared with Renaim for accelerated pipeline development across oncology and immunology indications.
- Y-Biologics (유바이오로직스)coreEyeGene entered an exclusive domestic licensing and co-development agreement with Y-Biologics for the quadrivalent meningococcal conjugate vaccine EG-MCV4. Under the agreement, EyeGene will obtain domestic regulatory approval and product license, then expand into Korea, China, Japan, Southeast Asia, and PAHO markets starting 2027. Y-Biologics contributes development expertise and manufacturing capabilities.
- Nexcellera (넥스세라)minorEyeGene and Korea BMI jointly invested KRW 3 billion in Nexcellera, a company developing NT-101 (intravitreal wet age-related macular degeneration treatment). EyeGene obtained rights to sell NT-101 in countries where domestic approval is obtained, along with co-development rights.
- City of Hope / Dr. Larry Kwak (래리곽 박사)minorEyeGene's affiliate Renaim Therapeutics recruited Dr. Larry Kwak, Deputy Director and Vice President of City of Hope (and creator of PepaxtoBio's core technology), as a scientific advisory board member. Dr. Kwak is a globally recognized authority on cancer vaccines, strengthening Renaim's mRNA-based cancer vaccine development program.
- Ilsung Pharmaceutical (국제약품)coreEyeGene signed a co-development agreement with Ilsung Pharmaceutical for global commercialization of EG-Mirotin (non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy treatment). Ilsung bears responsibility for Phase 2 IND filing and covers clinical drug production and analytical research costs; EyeGene handles drug substance manufacturing and additional analytical research. Future licensing revenue will be shared between the parties.
- ICM (아이씨엠)minorJoint venture company established by EyeGene and Yonsei University Technology Holdings for commercialization of university-developed technologies, expanding EyeGene's academic collaboration network.
- Hunoons (휴온스)coreHunoons acquired exclusive domestic sales rights for EG-Decorin pressure ulcer treatment from EyeGene in 2009. The product is a BIO drug candidate derived from human peptide, demonstrating high safety in preclinical studies. Hunoons planned to target the ~KRW 1 trillion domestic pressure ulcer treatment market. Clinical Phase 2 was approved by MFDS in March 2013.
Scale indicators6 records
Recent moves8 records
Expansion highlights6 records
EyeGene competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- CureVac: Clinical-stage mRNA vaccine and therapeutics company developing alternative delivery systems. Comparable to EyeGene as a smaller-cap mRNA platform player seeking differentiation from Moderna/BioNTech through novel delivery chemistry — closely analogous to EG-R's cationic liposome strategy.
- Hugel: Korean specialty biopharmaceutical company and one of the leading global botulinum toxin (Botulax) manufacturers. Most directly comparable to EyeGene on EG-rBTX100, the recombinant botulinum toxin program, with similar Korean-domiciled biotech profile.
- Medytox: Korean biopharmaceutical company developing botulinum toxin (Meditoxin/Neuform) and hyaluronic acid fillers. Directly comparable to EyeGene on EG-rBTX100 competitive dynamics and on the medical device filler partnership with Korea BMI.
Broad incumbents
- GC Biopharma: Korean-established blood products and vaccine manufacturer with broader portfolio including hepatitis B, influenza, and biosimilars. Comparable to EyeGene as a KOSDAQ-listed Korean biopharma with diversified vaccine/biologics pipeline and government supply relationships.
- BioNTech: Global mRNA therapeutics and vaccine leader (Comirnaty with Pfizer). Comparable to EyeGene on the mRNA platform competitive landscape; relevant for understanding partnership economics and global mRNA licensing benchmarks for the EG-R platform.
- Moderna: Global leader in mRNA vaccines and therapeutics. Comparable to EyeGene on the EG-R cationic liposome mRNA platform technology, though Moderna operates at vastly greater scale with established LNP delivery — directly relevant to understanding competitive positioning of EyeGene's differentiated non-LNP approach.
Regional players
- HanAll Biopharma: Korean biopharmaceutical company developing biologics and specialty therapeutics including ophthalmology and immunology assets. Comparable to EyeGene as a KOSDAQ-listed Korean biotech with diversified pipeline and ophthalmic/biologics overlap (EG-Mirotin/EG-AAV01).
- SK Bioscience: Korean vaccine developer (COVID-19, influenza, shingles, etc.) on KOSDAQ. Comparable as a Korean-listed vaccine developer with government contract exposure and meningococcal/specialty vaccine pipeline overlap with EG-MCV4.
Emerging players
- Allogene Therapeutics: Clinical-stage CAR-T cell therapy developer focused on allogeneic (off-the-shelf) CAR-T treatments for hematologic malignancies. Comparable to EyeGene on the BAFFR CAR-T program and the broader strategic question of ex-vivo vs. in-vivo CAR-T approaches.
- Arcturus Therapeutics: Clinical-stage mRNA medicines company with self-amplifying mRNA and conventional mRNA platforms, including vaccines and rare disease therapeutics. Comparable to EyeGene as a smaller-cap mRNA platform player pursuing differentiated delivery technology and government/public health partnerships.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
EyeGene financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
EyeGene leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles4 records
EyeGene subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries3 records
EyeGene funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds1 record
Investors1 record
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
EyeGene M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments2 records
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about EyeGene
What does EyeGene do?
EyeGene is a South Korean clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing a diversified Gene and Cell Therapy (GCT) pipeline, anchored by its proprietary EG-R mRNA vaccine platform using cationic liposome delivery (avoiding LNP/PEG patent barriers and enabling room-temperature lyophilized storage). Pipeline assets include recombinant botulinum toxin EG-rBTX100, quadrivalent meningococcal conjugate vaccine EG-MCV4, mRNA COVID-19 vaccines (EG-COVID, EG-COVII), AAV gene therapy candidates for ophthalmic diseases, BAFFR CAR-T cell therapy for hematologic cancers, EG-Mirotin for diabetic retinopathy, and EG-Decorin for wound healing. The company commercializes primarily through technology out-licensing, co-development partnerships with pharmaceutical companies, and government-funded vaccine contracts.
Is EyeGene a public or private company?
EyeGene is a public company. It is classified as public and is currently operating.
When was EyeGene founded?
EyeGene was founded in 2000. It employs 51 to 100 people.
Where is EyeGene based?
EyeGene is headquartered in Seoul, South Korea, in the Asia region.
How does EyeGene make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Licensing Royalties and Technology Transfer is the primary driver. The others are government R&D Contracts and Subsidies, product Sales (Near-term Revenue) and co-development and Milestone Payments.
Who are EyeGene's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are CureVac, Hugel and Medytox. Broad incumbents are GC Biopharma, BioNTech and Moderna. Regional players are HanAll Biopharma and SK Bioscience. Emerging players are Allogene Therapeutics and Arcturus Therapeutics.
Does EyeGene have an API?
No public API is recorded for EyeGene.
What industry is EyeGene in?
EyeGene's product category is Biopharmaceuticals. Its primary akta.pro industry code is HLAAACAA, AAV Vector Gene Therapy Developers, with a secondary code of HLAAACAG, Ophthalmology Gene Therapies. Its NAICS code is 541714 and its SIC code is 2836.