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Korean Clinical Trials Prove Exosomes, Peptides and Spicules Outperforms Retinol in Anti-Ageing

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Korean Clinical Trials Prove Exosomes, Peptides and Spicules Outperforms Retinol in Anti-Ageing
Business

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Korean Clinical Trials Prove Exosomes, Peptides and Spicules Outperforms Retinol in Anti-Ageing

2024-10-03 15:00 Last Updated At:15:15

  • Modern Molecules introduces medical-grade skincare technology and the, revolutionary REGENEXâ„¢ Renewal Serum
  • Using a technology originally developed to regenerate burned skin, the REGENEXâ„¢ complex is harnessed for the first time to regenerate aged skin back to youth.
  • SINGAPORE, Oct. 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Modern Molecules, in partnership with leading dermatologists from Seoul, Korea is proud to announce the global launch of its revolutionary anti-ageing solution: REGENEXâ„¢ Renewal Serum. Harnessing the power of medical-grade technology originally developed to regenerate and heal burns, this serum introduces a new category of medical cosmetics where healthcare innovation meets skincare aesthetics. Clinically proven to significantly outperform retinol, the REGENEXâ„¢ Renewal Serum redefines anti-ageing skincare aesthetics with its medical-grade, patent-pending REGENEXâ„¢ complex.

    In clinical studies conducted by the Korean Skin Research Centre, REGENEX™ Renewal Serum demonstrated remarkable results, surpassing retinol by 7.2 times in wrinkle reduction and 17 times in diminishing pigmentation after just 8 weeks of use. The serum's cutting-edge formulation integrades exosomes, spicules, and peptides—ingredients originally used to regenerate burnt skin, these medical technologies are now repurposed to tackle signs of ageing. REGENEX™ Renewal Serum is the first product from Modern Molecules to utilise healthcare-derived technology in skincare.

    REGENEXâ„¢: Backed by an Independent study from the Korean Skin Centre for unparalleled anti-ageing performance

    REGENEXâ„¢ complex was discovered by the Modern Molecules research team, led by Dr Baek Ji Hwoon. Based in Seoul, Korea, the team boasts over 100 years of combined research experience and has published more than 200 peer-reviewed studies.

    The REGENEXâ„¢ complex is clinically-proven to achieve:

    • 7.2x better wrinkle reduction than retinol
    • 17x better reduction in pigmentation and age spots
    • Visible delay in ageing by an average of 5.5 years after 8 weeks of daily use
    • 65% increase in collagen production within 2 weeks
    • 33% reduction in wrinkles within the first 2 weeks

    Other acclaimed skincare experts on the discovery panel include Australia-based dermatology skin influencer Dr Davin Lim (@drdavinlim) who has over 900k followers on both Instagram and YouTube, LinkedIn Beauty Top Voice cosmetic scientist Manessa Lormejuste and Singapore aesthetic doctor Dr Vicki Leong.

    The complex combines three core technologies that work in tandem to reverse the effects of ageing:

    • Exosomes: These powerful nanoparticles signal skin cells to regenerate and initiate the cell renewal process, boosting collagen production for plumper, more youthful skin.
    • Spicules: Natural liquid microneedles create microchannels in the skin, allowing exosomes to penetrate deeper. Unlike most skincare products that remain on the surface, this technology regenerates skin from within, ensuring long-term results.
    • Peptide Complex: Clinically proven wrinkle-reversal peptides are small proteins that smooth wrinkles and enhance skin elasticity, leading to younger, healthier-looking skin.

    Dr. Baek, the Seoul-based dermatologist who led the development of the REGENEXâ„¢ technology, said: "REGENEXâ„¢ Renewal Serum represents a significant advancement in anti-ageing and delivers performance that has shown statistically significant superior efficacy versus retinol. It is an innovation that has been used to treat burn wounds with powerful regenerative properties. Harnessing this technology once used to regenerate burnt skin, we applied it to aged skin and were amazed to discover that it can trigger skin cell regeneration from deep within, reducing the appearance of wrinkles and pigmentation while improving overall skin texture."

    Jo T, 33, a clinical trial participant, shared her experience: "As someone who's tried many anti-ageing products with little success, I was hesitant at first. Retinol has always irritated my skin, so I didn't expect much. But the REGENEX™ Renewal Serum surprised me right away. It felt light, absorbed quickly, and didn't leave my skin feeling greasy. Within two weeks, I started noticing my skin was changing. My skin felt firmer, and after eight weeks, the fine lines and wrinkles around my eyes and mouth had visibly reduced. What stood out most was how much smoother and younger my skin looked overall—like it had turned back the clock. I can confidently say this serum has made a huge difference in my routine, and I'll definitely be continuing with it."

    Setting a New Standard in Anti-Ageing Technology 

    REGENEXâ„¢ Renewal Serum is the result of decades of research and innovation from Modern Molecules' team of renowned dermatologists. More than just a skincare product, this serum represents a ground-breaking advancement in medical cosmetics, bringing healthcare technology originally developed to help burn victims regenerate new skin into the consumer skincare market. Designed to rejuvenate skin from the inside out, it effectively boosts collagen production, strengthens the skin barrier, and improves elasticity, providing visible, long-term anti-ageing results.

    In five independent clinical studies, REGENEXâ„¢ Renewal Serum was shown to significantly outperform traditional retinol treatments. During a user trial involving 25 participants aged 30-52, all with varying degrees of visible ageing, key findings included:

    • 89% agreed that REGENEXâ„¢ was more effective than retinol
    • 97% observed firmer, plumper skin
    • 93% saw a more youthful complexion
    • 97% noted improvements in skin tone and texture
    • 80% witnessed a reduction in fine lines and wrinkles
    • 73% experienced reduced pigmentation and age spots.

    *Details and results from the various clinical trials are available at www.modernmolecules.com 

    Singapore's Exclusive Launch from 28 October 

    Consumers can register for early access through a waitlist on modernmolecules.com. Available first in Singapore from 28 October 2024, the serum will be available for purchase online via modernmolecules.com, selected Watsons stores island-wide[1] as well as e-commerce platforms including Shopee, Lazada, Zalora and TikTok Shop for SGD $49 (35ml bottle).

    END

    About Modern Molecules 

    Modern Molecules is a breakthrough anti-ageing skincare brand from the laboratories of Seoul, Korea. Introducing REGENEXâ„¢. The first modern molecule for ageing that combines revolutionary Spicules, Exosomes and Peptides for 7X better than retinol anti-ageing performance. Once used for the treatment of burns, now harnessed for anti-ageing, it regenerates aged skin back to youth. Discovered and developed by a team of the world's leading Dermatologists, it is clinically proven by the Korean Skin Institute to delay ageing by 5 and a half years and reduce wrinkles by 40%. Modern Molecule's first product, the REGENEXâ„¢ Renewal Serum, will launch in October.

    CLINIC BORN. SEOUL MADE. í´ë¦¬ë‹‰ì´ 탄ìƒí–ˆìŠµë‹ˆë‹¤. ì„œìš¸ì´ ë§Œë“¤ì—ˆìŠµë‹ˆë‹¤.

    [1] Available at the following Watsons stores: Parkway Parade, NEX, Marina Square, ION Orchard, Ngee Ann City, Causeway Point, Bugis Junction, The Star Vista, Tampines Mall, Tiong Bahru Plaza, Jurong Point JEM, Hougang Mall, Eastpoint Mall, Toa Payoh (HDB), Vivocity, Anchorpoint, Waterway Point, Raffles City, Compass One, Marina Bay Sands, Great World City, Bukit Panjang Plaza, West Mall, Hougang Street 21, 100AM and Westgate.


SINGAPORE, Oct. 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Modern Molecules, in partnership with leading dermatologists from Seoul, Korea is proud to announce the global launch of its revolutionary anti-ageing solution: REGENEXâ„¢ Renewal Serum. Harnessing the power of medical-grade technology originally developed to regenerate and heal burns, this serum introduces a new category of medical cosmetics where healthcare innovation meets skincare aesthetics. Clinically proven to significantly outperform retinol, the REGENEXâ„¢ Renewal Serum redefines anti-ageing skincare aesthetics with its medical-grade, patent-pending REGENEXâ„¢ complex.

In clinical studies conducted by the Korean Skin Research Centre, REGENEX™ Renewal Serum demonstrated remarkable results, surpassing retinol by 7.2 times in wrinkle reduction and 17 times in diminishing pigmentation after just 8 weeks of use. The serum's cutting-edge formulation integrades exosomes, spicules, and peptides—ingredients originally used to regenerate burnt skin, these medical technologies are now repurposed to tackle signs of ageing. REGENEX™ Renewal Serum is the first product from Modern Molecules to utilise healthcare-derived technology in skincare.

REGENEXâ„¢: Backed by an Independent study from the Korean Skin Centre for unparalleled anti-ageing performance

REGENEXâ„¢ complex was discovered by the Modern Molecules research team, led by Dr Baek Ji Hwoon. Based in Seoul, Korea, the team boasts over 100 years of combined research experience and has published more than 200 peer-reviewed studies.

The REGENEXâ„¢ complex is clinically-proven to achieve:

  • 7.2x better wrinkle reduction than retinol
  • 17x better reduction in pigmentation and age spots
  • Visible delay in ageing by an average of 5.5 years after 8 weeks of daily use
  • 65% increase in collagen production within 2 weeks
  • 33% reduction in wrinkles within the first 2 weeks

Other acclaimed skincare experts on the discovery panel include Australia-based dermatology skin influencer Dr Davin Lim (@drdavinlim) who has over 900k followers on both Instagram and YouTube, LinkedIn Beauty Top Voice cosmetic scientist Manessa Lormejuste and Singapore aesthetic doctor Dr Vicki Leong.

The complex combines three core technologies that work in tandem to reverse the effects of ageing:

  • Exosomes: These powerful nanoparticles signal skin cells to regenerate and initiate the cell renewal process, boosting collagen production for plumper, more youthful skin.
  • Spicules: Natural liquid microneedles create microchannels in the skin, allowing exosomes to penetrate deeper. Unlike most skincare products that remain on the surface, this technology regenerates skin from within, ensuring long-term results.
  • Peptide Complex: Clinically proven wrinkle-reversal peptides are small proteins that smooth wrinkles and enhance skin elasticity, leading to younger, healthier-looking skin.

Dr. Baek, the Seoul-based dermatologist who led the development of the REGENEXâ„¢ technology, said: "REGENEXâ„¢ Renewal Serum represents a significant advancement in anti-ageing and delivers performance that has shown statistically significant superior efficacy versus retinol. It is an innovation that has been used to treat burn wounds with powerful regenerative properties. Harnessing this technology once used to regenerate burnt skin, we applied it to aged skin and were amazed to discover that it can trigger skin cell regeneration from deep within, reducing the appearance of wrinkles and pigmentation while improving overall skin texture."

Jo T, 33, a clinical trial participant, shared her experience: "As someone who's tried many anti-ageing products with little success, I was hesitant at first. Retinol has always irritated my skin, so I didn't expect much. But the REGENEX™ Renewal Serum surprised me right away. It felt light, absorbed quickly, and didn't leave my skin feeling greasy. Within two weeks, I started noticing my skin was changing. My skin felt firmer, and after eight weeks, the fine lines and wrinkles around my eyes and mouth had visibly reduced. What stood out most was how much smoother and younger my skin looked overall—like it had turned back the clock. I can confidently say this serum has made a huge difference in my routine, and I'll definitely be continuing with it."

Setting a New Standard in Anti-Ageing Technology 

REGENEXâ„¢ Renewal Serum is the result of decades of research and innovation from Modern Molecules' team of renowned dermatologists. More than just a skincare product, this serum represents a ground-breaking advancement in medical cosmetics, bringing healthcare technology originally developed to help burn victims regenerate new skin into the consumer skincare market. Designed to rejuvenate skin from the inside out, it effectively boosts collagen production, strengthens the skin barrier, and improves elasticity, providing visible, long-term anti-ageing results.

In five independent clinical studies, REGENEXâ„¢ Renewal Serum was shown to significantly outperform traditional retinol treatments. During a user trial involving 25 participants aged 30-52, all with varying degrees of visible ageing, key findings included:

  • 89% agreed that REGENEXâ„¢ was more effective than retinol
  • 97% observed firmer, plumper skin
  • 93% saw a more youthful complexion
  • 97% noted improvements in skin tone and texture
  • 80% witnessed a reduction in fine lines and wrinkles
  • 73% experienced reduced pigmentation and age spots.

*Details and results from the various clinical trials are available at www.modernmolecules.com 

Singapore's Exclusive Launch from 28 October 

Consumers can register for early access through a waitlist on modernmolecules.com. Available first in Singapore from 28 October 2024, the serum will be available for purchase online via modernmolecules.com, selected Watsons stores island-wide[1] as well as e-commerce platforms including Shopee, Lazada, Zalora and TikTok Shop for SGD $49 (35ml bottle).

END

About Modern Molecules 

Modern Molecules is a breakthrough anti-ageing skincare brand from the laboratories of Seoul, Korea. Introducing REGENEXâ„¢. The first modern molecule for ageing that combines revolutionary Spicules, Exosomes and Peptides for 7X better than retinol anti-ageing performance. Once used for the treatment of burns, now harnessed for anti-ageing, it regenerates aged skin back to youth. Discovered and developed by a team of the world's leading Dermatologists, it is clinically proven by the Korean Skin Institute to delay ageing by 5 and a half years and reduce wrinkles by 40%. Modern Molecule's first product, the REGENEXâ„¢ Renewal Serum, will launch in October.

CLINIC BORN. SEOUL MADE. í´ë¦¬ë‹‰ì´ 탄ìƒí–ˆìŠµë‹ˆë‹¤. ì„œìš¸ì´ ë§Œë“¤ì—ˆìŠµë‹ˆë‹¤.

[1] Available at the following Watsons stores: Parkway Parade, NEX, Marina Square, ION Orchard, Ngee Ann City, Causeway Point, Bugis Junction, The Star Vista, Tampines Mall, Tiong Bahru Plaza, Jurong Point JEM, Hougang Mall, Eastpoint Mall, Toa Payoh (HDB), Vivocity, Anchorpoint, Waterway Point, Raffles City, Compass One, Marina Bay Sands, Great World City, Bukit Panjang Plaza, West Mall, Hougang Street 21, 100AM and Westgate.

[1] Available at the following Watsons stores: Parkway Parade, NEX, Marina Square, ION Orchard, Ngee Ann City, Causeway Point, Bugis Junction, The Star Vista, Tampines Mall, Tiong Bahru Plaza, Jurong Point JEM, Hougang Mall, Eastpoint Mall, Toa Payoh (HDB), Vivocity, Anchorpoint, Waterway Point, Raffles City, Compass One, Marina Bay Sands, Great World City, Bukit Panjang Plaza, West Mall, Hougang Street 21, 100AM and Westgate.

** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **

Korean Clinical Trials Prove Exosomes, Peptides and Spicules Outperforms Retinol in Anti-Ageing

Korean Clinical Trials Prove Exosomes, Peptides and Spicules Outperforms Retinol in Anti-Ageing

Korean Clinical Trials Prove Exosomes, Peptides and Spicules Outperforms Retinol in Anti-Ageing

Korean Clinical Trials Prove Exosomes, Peptides and Spicules Outperforms Retinol in Anti-Ageing

BANGKOK, Oct. 28, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- What if a weapon against some of the world's most stubborn bacteria were hiding in the soil beneath our feet? Could these microscopic hunters help us confront antibiotic-resistant "superbugs" and bacterial diseases devastating shrimp? The answer may lie in understanding these astonishing viruses—and the hidden battles unfolding all around us.

Researchers at Chulalongkorn University are exploring an extraordinary class of viruses called jumbophages—giant bacteriophages that prey on bacteria. Among them are unusual "nucleus-forming" phages that build a protective compartment inside infected bacterial cells, creating a microscopic battlefield unlike anything seen in ordinary phage infections. 

These remarkable viruses could open new possibilities for tackling antibiotic-resistant bacteria and diseases that threaten shrimp farming. From the ground beneath our trees to the tiniest arenas of microbial life, researchers are uncovering a hidden world where viruses hunt bacteria—and where new tools for fighting disease may be waiting.

Decoding Microbes, Designing Tomorrow's Therapies 

At Chulalongkorn University, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Vorrapon Chaikeeratisak of the Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, has studied an unusual group of bacterial viruses known as nucleus-forming jumbophages. Since 2018, his laboratory, known as The Microbe Lab, focuses on three interconnected themes: bacteriophages, phage-derived antimicrobials, and antibiotic discovery.  

"Our focus is on understanding how bacteriophages infect bacteria and how they can be used to target multidrug-resistant pathogens. We also develop bacterial cytological profiling methods to see what happens inside bacterial cells when they are exposed to antibiotics or phage-derived proteins. Ultimately, we want to understand how these treatments kill bacteria and uncover new ways to fight difficult-to-treat infections." 

Assoc. Prof. Vorrapon said the ultimate goal of this project is to support alternative ways to treat infections, tackling one of the world's growing health threats – antimicrobial resistance. Within a decade, that vision has been shown to become a reality. His research reveals a remarkable twist: nature's microscopic predators might just be our best defense against harmful bacteria threatening human health, food supply and sustainable farming. 

Bacteriophages: Viruses That Hunt Bacteria 

Bacteriophages, or simply phages, are viruses that infect bacteria. They attach to bacterial cells, inject their genetic material and take over the cell's machinery to produce new phages. Eventually, the infected cell bursts, releasing the new viruses to infect other bacteria. 

Phages come in an extraordinary range of shapes and sizes. Some are tiny, while others carry exceptionally large genomes and are known as jumbo or giant phages. Among the most unusual are nucleus-forming jumbophages. See Inside a Giant Phage-Infected Bacterium at https://www.chula.ac.th/en/highlight/427670/

Assoc. Prof. Vorrapon first encountered these viruses during his postdoctoral research at the University of California San Diego, where he worked with Prof. Joe Pogliano, Department of Molecular Biology and Collaborative to Halt Antibiotic-Resistant Microbes (CHARM). What fascinated him was not simply their size, but their sophisticated strategy for surviving inside infected bacteria. 

Building a Protective "Nucleus" 

Unlike most phages, nucleus-forming jumbophages construct a protective protein shell around their DNA after infection. This compartment resembles a nucleus and separates the phage genome from many of the bacterium's defense mechanisms.  See video for more details: https://youtu.be/bnOwTeWjIkg

"Bacteria are anything but passive hosts; they possess sophisticated defenses that detect and eliminate foreign genetic material. By forming a protected nucleus-like compartment, phages create an additional layer of defense, enabling their genomes to replicate shielded from some of the host's antiviral mechanisms." Assoc. Prof. Vorrapon shared. 

Understanding this unusual system could help researchers develop new strategies for controlling bacteria—including strains that have become resistant to conventional antibiotics. 

Phage Therapy vs Superbug  

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the world's growing health challenges. A 2024 Lancet Series on antimicrobial resistance study forecast since 2016 that 10 million people could die annually from AMR by 2050. In Thailand, the Second National Action Plan on AMR 2023-2027, revealed that AMR is attributed to 38,000 deaths annually, and the numbers will continue to rise if no immediate and efficient actions are in place. 

The rising death statistics are caused by "Superbug", a bacterium that has developed resistance to multiple antibiotics, making infections increasingly difficult to treat. 

Phages offer a fundamentally different approach. Rather than using a chemical drug to kill bacteria, phage therapy harnesses viruses that naturally infect and destroy specific bacterial targets.  

"The idea is straightforward: when antibiotics can no longer kill a specific bacterium, a naturally occurring phage that targets that bacterium may offer an alternative." Assoc. Prof. Vorrapon explained. 

But phage therapy is not simply a replacement for antibiotics. Phages are highly specific biological agents, and their effectiveness depends on selecting the right phage for the right bacterial strain. Their clinical use therefore requires careful testing, formulation and regulation. 

The Churi phage: A Discovery Beneath a Fallen Tree 

One of Assoc. Prof. Dr. Vorrapon's most memorable discoveries began in an unexpectedly ordinary place. In 2019, a large Chamchuri tree fell on the Chulalongkorn University campus. Researchers collected soil from beneath it as part of an effort to build a collection of phages found in Thailand.

Among the discoveries was Churi, a jumbophage isolated from campus soil and named after the Chamchuri trees. According to Assoc. Prof. Vorrapon, Churi infects Pseudomonas aeruginosa, an opportunistic pathogen associated with hospital-acquired infections and antimicrobial resistance. Churi belongs to the family Chimalliviridae, whose members have genomes exceeding 200,000 base pairs and form a nucleus-like compartment inside bacterial cells. 

In simple terms, Churi: 

  1. injects its DNA into the bacterium;
  2. builds a protective "phage nucleus";
  3. replicates its genome inside that compartment; and
  4. shields much of its viral DNA from bacterial defense systems. 

The discovery demonstrated that Thailand's own environment could be a rich source of phages with potentially valuable properties. 

Phage: A Promising Future Therapy  

On April 2026, the potential medical value of phage research became particularly clear when Assoc. Prof. Vorrapon's team was contacted by a Thai hospital treating a patient infected with a drug-resistant strain of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. With conventional antibiotics providing limited options, the hospital sought information about phages that might target the bacterium.  

A scenario like this demonstrates the urgent need for researchers to find alternatives to conventional antibiotics.  

"Unfortunately, we could not proceed further because a clear regulatory pathway for clinical phage use in Thailand is not yet established,'' Assoc. Prof. Vorrapon reflected. "Phage therapy, though considered as a potential option, is still an emerging field. Yet carefully selected phages could eventually give us another way to treat difficult bacterial infections." 

In Thailand, scientific potential faces a regulatory hurdle. Without a framework specifically designed for phage products, there is still a gap between laboratory discoveries and clinical application.

To bridge this gap, Assoc. Prof. Vorrapon together with Prof. Joe Pogliano and Prof. David Pride, a prominent leader at The Center for Innovative Phage Applications and Therapeutics (iPATH), have been working toward strengthening phage research and clinical capabilities in Thailand. The proposed Center for Applied Phage Science and Discovery (CAPSiD) in Chulalongkorn University is part of this broader vision, connecting basic research, clinical needs and future applications. 

Phages in the Global Spotlight  

Assoc. Prof. Vorrapon's story of discovery and research was featured on CNN's Vital Signs program in an episode titled "How Naturally Occurring Viruses Could Help Treat Superbug Infections."  The international recognition is highly encouraging, Assoc. Prof. Vorrapon said, as it introduces phage research to audiences beyond the scientific community.  

"The feature highlights the potential of naturally occurring viruses, or bacteriophages, in addressing antibiotic-resistant infections and showcases our work and story as part of this important field of research. Being featured on CNN's Vital Signs provided an opportunity to communicate to a much broader audience that bacteriophages are not simply laboratory curiosities—they may provide practical solutions to major challenges such as antimicrobial resistance and bacterial diseases in aquaculture," Assoc. Prof. Vorrapon shared. To watch the full feature here: https://edition.cnn.com/videos/health/2023/12/05/phages-antibiotic-resistance-research-vital-signs-intl-spc.cnn

"For our research group, this visibility has also opened opportunities for international collaboration and discussions with researchers, industry, farmers, and other stakeholders. It has strengthened our motivation to move beyond proof-of-concept studies toward technologies that can actually be used in the field." 

"Perhaps most importantly, greater public awareness helps people understand that phage therapy represents a complementary biological approach to controlling bacterial infections, rather than simply another replacement for antibiotics. This broader understanding will be important as Thailand develops the scientific evidence, regulatory framework, and public confidence needed for future phage applications," Assoc. Prof. Vorrapon continued.

From Human Health to Shrimp Farms 

Beyond human health, the research extends to aquatic animal health, where phage technology targets lethal bacterial pathogens threatening Thailand's shrimp industry, including acute hepatopancreatic necrosis disease (AHPND), commonly known as Early Mortality Syndrome (EMS). The disease is associated with pathogenic strains of Vibrio parahaemolyticus and can cause devastating losses. 

In response to this challenge, Assoc. Prof. Vorrapon's team has been investigating nucleus-forming jumbophages that target Vibrio bacteria, working with the Department of Fisheries and collecting samples from major shrimp-producing areas including Chanthaburi, Chachoengsao, Krabi, Rayong, Songkhla, Pattani and Phuket.  

The approach is fundamentally different from broad-spectrum antibiotics. Phages can target specific bacterial strains while leaving many other microorganisms untouched.  

The researchers compare the principle to targeted cancer therapy: instead of attacking everything, the treatment focuses on a particular biological target. That specificity can be a major advantage—but it also means that success cannot always be measured simply by whether total bacterial numbers decline. The key question is whether the harmful bacterium has been controlled while beneficial microorganisms remain intact. 

Meet the Star Phages: Eric and Ariel  

Among the most promising phages discovered during the aquaculture research were two nucleus-forming jumbophages collected from marine samples near Songkhla.  

They were named Eric and Ariel, inspired partly by Disney's animation The Little Mermaid and partly by their ocean origins. 

Their discovery was closely linked to collaboration with the Department of Fisheries, which works directly with shrimp farmers. When farmers encounter disease outbreaks, fisheries officials collect samples and identify the bacterial strains involved. Researchers can then use those local strains to search for matching phages.  

According to Assoc. Prof. Vorrapon, "This local approach is crucial. Instead of relying on generic solutions developed elsewhere, scientists can identify phages specifically adapted to the bacterial strains present in Thailand's own aquaculture environments." 

The Phage Cocktail 

A single phage may kill one bacterial strain but have little effect on another. To overcome this limitation, researchers combine several phages into a phage cocktail. Each phage acts as a specialist targeting particular bacterial strains. Together, they can potentially provide broader coverage and reduce the risk that bacteria will develop resistance to any one phage. 

But developing a successful cocktail involves more than identifying effective phages. Researchers must also determine the right combination, formulation, dosage, delivery method and storage conditions. 

From Research to Commercial Application 

Currently, the research has advanced toward commercial development with the creation of LeapMicroTech's "3in1 Jumbophage cocktail", a phage-based biological solution designed for bacterial disease control in aquaculture.  (See the 3in1 Jumbophage cocktail at https://www.chula.ac.th/en/highlight/427670/ )

"While this cocktail delivers a highly targeted approach for controlling bacterial outbreaks compared to conventional antibiotics, its broader value lies in its exquisite bacterial specificity. By selectively eliminating pathogens, it preserves beneficial microorganisms and provides a viable strategy to combat antibiotic-resistant strains," Assoc. Prof. Vorrapon said.  

Shrimp Mortality Control  

One of the most dramatic field observations came from a commercial shrimp farm where shrimp disease known as Early Mortality Syndrome (EMS) had repeatedly threatened production. The team of researchers conducted a field comparison involving two neighboring ponds. One served as a comparison, while the other received phage-treated feed. 

Around day 29 of the production cycle, a major die-off occurred in the untreated pond. According to the farm's estimate, approximately 100,000 shrimp died in a single day. Samples showed evidence consistent with EMS. 

The researchers then introduced their phage cocktail into the affected pond. Within a couple days, they observed no further shrimp deaths in the treated pond. Their analysis indicated that the bacteria associated with the disease had been eliminated following treatment. 

The neighboring pond receiving phages as a feed supplement also experienced no shrimp mortality during the observation period described by the researchers. While such results require further controlled validation, they illustrate the potential of phage technology as a tool for managing bacterial disease in aquaculture. 

The researchers concluded the outcomes of phage cocktail application on shrimp farms as follow: 

  • Reduced mortality caused by bacterial infections
  • Potential replacement or reduction of antibiotic use 
  • Sustainable disease management for aquaculture 
  • Possibility of adapting the technology for other bacterial diseases in animals and humans 

The Challenges Beyond the Science 

Scientific discovery is only the beginning. For phage technology to become a widely used medical or agricultural product, researchers must also address regulation, intellectual property, manufacturing, quality control, farmer education and distribution. 

Biggest challenge is human habits, Assoc. Prof. Vorrapon said and shared his concern that farmers who have relied on familiar products for years may naturally be cautious about a treatment based on viruses. Phages do not work like antibiotics, and their effects may need to be evaluated differently. That makes field demonstrations especially important. Real-world experience can help farmers understand not only what the technology does, but also how to use it effectively. 

CAPSiD: Building a Library of Tiny Weapons 

The researchers are thinking beyond individual phages such as Churi, Eric and Ariel. 

Their longer-term vision includes the proposed CAPSiD Center, which would expand Thailand's collection—or "library"—of phages available for research and development. 

Assoc. Prof. Vorrapon highlighted the prospect of capsids researches, "Capsids are more than protective shells: their structures can potentially be adapted as nanoparticles, delivery systems, vaccine platforms and diagnostic tools."  

In creating CAPSiD Center, Assoc. Prof. Vorrapon hopes to bring together researchers, clinicians, veterinarians, industry partners, government agencies, and young scientists within one translational platform.  

"My vision for CAPSiD – the Center for Applied Phage Science and Discovery is to create a national hub that bridges fundamental phage science with real-world applications. Thailand has strong biodiversity and significant potential for discovering novel bacteriophages, but discovery alone is not enough. We need an ecosystem that can move promising phages through characterization, formulation, validation, scale-up, regulatory approval, and ultimately commercialization." Assoc. Prof. Vorrapon Chaikeeratisak said.

In the long term, he hopes CAPSiD can help transform Thailand's unique microbial biodiversity into high-value biological technologies and products. Instead of being only a source of biological resources, Thailand could become a developer and exporter of phage-based innovations, contributing to a sustainable bioeconomy and One Health solutions. 

Each phage could potentially become a biological component of a future treatment. Beyond medicine, phages have tremendous potential in aquaculture, agriculture, food safety, and biotechnology. Therefore, the larger and more diverse the library, the more options researchers would have for developing cocktails against different bacterial targets. The idea is ambitious but straightforward: if bacteria continue to evolve, researchers need a diverse collection of biological tools that can evolve with them. 

Beyond Shrimp 

The same strategy could eventually be applied to other areas of agriculture.  

Researchers have discovered numerous nucleus-forming jumbophages and are exploring their potential against bacterial diseases affecting livestock and poultry, including chickens and pigs. 

These applications remain at earlier stages. Researchers must first identify suitable phages, develop cocktails and conduct laboratory testing before progressing to controlled trials in farming environments. This highlights a broader lesson: scientific discovery requires an ecosystem around it. 

Researchers need access to bacterial strains, relationships with farmers, regulatory pathways, manufacturing capacity and practical knowledge of each industry. The Department of Fisheries provides an important bridge in aquaculture, and similar partnerships will be essential for expanding phage technology into other sectors. 

The Future for Fighting Bacteria 

The story of these phages stretches across very different worlds. It begins in soil beneath a fallen Chamchuri tree. It continues in laboratories studying microscopic viruses and drug-resistant bacteria. It reaches ocean samples collected near Songkhla and shrimp farms across southern Thailand. Along the way, it connects microbiologists, fisheries officials, farmers, clinicians and biotechnology researchers.  

"Over the next 10 years, I expect research to move from describing these remarkable structures toward understanding their molecular mechanisms and eventually learning how to harness them. Their unusual biology may reveal new antimicrobial targets, enzymes, delivery systems, and biotechnology tools. Their ability to overcome some bacterial defense systems may also make them particularly interesting candidates for developing robust therapeutic phages."  Assoc. Prof. Vorrapon Chaikeeratisak explained.

Assoc. Prof. Vorrapon believes that the next decade will be particularly exciting for nucleus-forming jumbophages. These phages have completely changed the perception of how sophisticated viruses can be. By constructing a nucleus-like compartment inside bacterial cells and organizing their own intracellular machinery, they reveal biological principles that we can only begin to understand. 

For Thailand, the opportunity is especially significant. An enormous and still largely unexplored reservoir of jumbophages is provided by the country's rich biodiversity. By integrating discovery, fundamental biology, engineering, translational research, and commercialization, these natural biological resources could be transformed into innovations for human health, livestock, aquaculture, agriculture, and food production. 

"Ultimately, I hope Thailand can become not only a place where new jumbophages are discovered, but also a global center where their biology is understood and translated into technologies that contribute to health security, sustainable agriculture, and the bioeconomy." Assoc. Prof. Vorrapon Chaikeeratisak said.

Continue reading a full article on the website: https://www.chula.ac.th/en/highlight/427670/

Chulalongkorn University has been ranked Thailand's No. 1 university for the 17th consecutive year (since 2009) in the newly released QS World University Rankings 2026. The university is ranked 221st in the world and places among the world's Top 100 in two key indicators: Academic Reputation (89th) and Employment Outcomes (64th).

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