SMALLLAB, a company specializing in soluble microneedles, announced a strategic investment of 3.3 billion KRW from APS Innovation on the 14th. With this investment, APS Innovation will acquire a 7.2% stake in SMALLLAB. This relationship is viewed as more than a financial investment, emphasizing collaboration in production equipment and global sales.
SMALLLAB’s competitive edge lies in its patented LSCR (Large Scale Continuous Roll Process) technology, which enables seamless microneedle production over large areas. Unlike the conventional sheet mold method, this roll-to-roll continuous production not only reduces production costs but also minimizes quality variation between products. SMALLLAB supplies microneedle patches, rollers, and high-concentration serums to domestic and international beauty brands through ODM (Original Design Manufacturer) methods.
SMALLLAB adheres to both domestic and international quality standards. The company expects to pass the FDA's OTC GMP audit in 2024 and will obtain the Good Cosmetic Manufacturing Practice (CGMP) certification from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety in November 2025. Leveraging this foundation, SMALLLAB is advancing its development of therapeutic microneedle patches containing pharmaceuticals, preparing for growth as a global OTC manufacturer.
Both companies will deepen their business collaboration. APS Innovation recently acquired automatic filling and packaging equipment for cosmetics and OEM capabilities. SMALLLAB plans to integrate its microneedle technology with this engineering and OEM production infrastructure to jointly develop high-value products. Additionally, APS Innovation will expand its customer base starting with the North American market, utilizing its overseas operations in the USA, Canada, China, Vietnam, and Indonesia.
Lee Jeong-kyu, CEO of SMALLLAB, stated that this investment reflects recognition of SMALLLAB’s microneedle production technology and quality competitiveness. He added that leveraging APS Innovation’s precise engineering capabilities and overseas network, SMALLLAB aims to evolve into a global microneedle company encompassing pharmaceuticals.
Established in 2008, SMALLLAB focuses on soluble microneedles and produces microneedle patches, rollers, and serums using its proprietary LSCR roll-to-roll continuous process. The company operates its brand ELDEEN and has facilities in Daejeon, including a second factory and offices in Gwanggyo and Pangyo, with ongoing initiatives for therapeutic microneedle patches backed by FDA OTC GMP passage and CGMP certification.
