Hugel Acquires Lifting Thread Company ‘JWorld’... "Leap to Total Medical Aesthetic Company"

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunseok Yoo] Hugel, a ‘global total medical aesthetic specialized company,’ has strengthened its portfolio by acquiring a leading domestic lifting thread company. This marks the third acquisition following the purchase of HA filler manufacturer Across in 2013 and brain disease medical device sales company Huutem in 2015.

On the 3rd, Hugel announced that it will acquire an 80% stake in ‘JWorld,’ a leading domestic PDO suture (hereinafter lifting thread) company. Through this acquisition, Hugel will establish the ‘medical aesthetic triad’ of botulinum toxin, HA filler, and lifting thread. Botulinum toxin is used for muscle relaxation and reduction, HA filler is used to improve volume, and lifting thread is used to improve skin sagging, making these procedures complementary to each other. With this acquisition, Hugel will become the world’s first medical aesthetic company capable of both manufacturing and selling all three products.

A Hugel representative stated, “As complex procedures using botulinum toxin, HA filler, and lifting thread emerge as new beauty and plastic surgery trends, this acquisition enables us to provide integrated solutions in the beauty and plastic surgery fields. By combining JWorld’s excellent manufacturing and production capabilities with Hugel’s sales, marketing strengths, and academic platform, we plan to grow as a new game changer in the domestic medical aesthetic market and accelerate expansion into overseas markets.”

JWorld, whose shares Hugel decided to acquire, is a medical device manufacturing company for beauty and plastic surgery established in 2013. JWorld’s flagship product, lifting thread, is widely used in treatment and beauty fields such as wound suturing and facial lifting, but only a few companies possess the manufacturing technology, making it highly regarded for its growth potential and marketability.

In particular, JWorld holds numerous patents related to suture manufacturing devices and methods, enabling the production of lifting threads in various designs. The products manufactured by JWorld are sold in medical settings through multiple domestic brands, earning recognition for their technological prowess and quality, establishing the company as a strong small and medium enterprise.

JWorld also possesses the capability to target not only the domestic lifting thread market but also the global market. Since its first overseas export last year, JWorld currently sells lifting threads in Japan and Indonesia and obtained European CE certification in 2019. Additionally, preparations are underway to enter markets in China, South America, Southeast Asia, and Russia.

Given the high interest from doctors and stakeholders in lifting thread procedures in the domestic market, Hugel plans to establish itself as a market-leading company through active marketing activities. Through hosting the global academic forum ‘H.E.L.F,’ it will provide various information and knowledge on procedural know-how and trends. Furthermore, through a cross-selling strategy with ‘The Chaeum,’ which is performing well in the European market, Hugel aims to expand its presence overseas. Notably, since submitting the BLA for botulinum toxin in June, strong synergy effects are expected in the European market going forward.

Meanwhile, Hugel is developing RNA interference-based hypertrophic scar treatment technology introduced from Olix and signed a license-in contract for next-generation fat-dissolving injections in January, with product development currently underway. This product significantly improves side effects compared to existing fat-dissolving injections, and Hugel holds domestic and Chinese distribution rights. Going forward, Hugel plans to broaden its business spectrum in the medical and beauty fields through the development of various products for doctors and patients and active investment.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.