GeneHarbor Biotech: Pioneering Recombinant Collagen Innovation with 13 Consecutive Years of CDA Presence

In recent years, the Chinese dermatology community has achieved significant development and progress in scientific research advancements, academic exchanges, international cooperation and influence, and the translation of research findings into practical applications. From November 28 to December 1, 2024, the 19th Annual Conference of the Dermatologist Branch of the Chinese Medical Doctor Association and the National Congress of Cosmetic Dermatology (hereinafter referred to as the CDA Conference)—the third largest dermatology conference globally and the largest and most influential event of its kind in China—was successfully held at the Wuhan Optics Valley Science and Technology Exhibition Center. Guided by the theme “Inheritance and Promotion, Innovation and Enhancement,” this year’s CDA Conference focused on addressing practical clinical issues and meeting the needs of dermatologists. It aimed to foster innovation through inheritance and achieve enhancement through innovation, thereby promoting deep integration between basic science and clinical practice.

By bringing together wisdom and strength from all sectors, the CDA Conference focuses on cutting-edge advancements and future trends in dermatology, facilitates in-depth exchanges of advanced scientific research achievements, and promotes academic communication and collaboration between brands and dermatology experts both in China and abroad. As a global leader in recombinant collagen, Giant Biogene^[1], with recombinant collagen as its representative ingredient, continuously exploring the frontiers of dermatological science, and has participated in the CDA Annual Conference for 13 consecutive years. Once again invited to attend this year’s conference, the company showcased its extensive research achievements in the field of dermatology.

During the conference forums, multiple authoritative experts and scholars from tertiary hospitals delivered keynote speeches at satellite symposia, delving into successful case studies of recombinant collagen products in clinical applications. From a clinical practice perspective, they provided a detailed interpretation of the pathogenesis of common skin diseases and highlighted the significant efficacy of recombinant collagen in treating acne, repairing refractory scars, managing atopic dermatitis, and achieving skin rejuvenation.

Among the notable clinical application cases is the study titled “Differences in Clinical Features and Molecular Phenotypes Between Severe Endogenous Atopic Dermatitis and Severe Exogenous Atopic Dermatitis.” Atopic dermatitis (AD) has long been a widely discussed inflammatory skin condition in dermatology. At a satellite symposium, Dr. Liu Zhong, an attending physician in the Department of Dermatology at Wuhan No. 1 Hospital, highlighted that recombinant collagen exhibits potent anti-inflammatory effects and effectively alleviates skin erythema. Clinical outcomes have demonstrated that recombinant collagen repair dressings can increase skin hydration, reduce transepidermal water loss (TEWL), improve skin dryness, and contribute to the restoration of skin barrier function in pediatric patients with AD.

Furthermore, selecting appropriate methods for comprehensive treatment based on different stages and types of acne scars is a key focus and challenge in clinical practice.^[2]In the study titled "Application of Improved Multi-Modal Stepwise Technique in the Treatment of Atrophic Acne Scars," Zhou Bingrong, Associate Chief Physician of the Department of Dermatology at Jiangsu Province Hospital, proposed that the moist environment created by recombinant collagen dressings helps protect the moisture content of the stratum corneum and the integrity of the fibrous structure, thereby effectively promoting wound healing. The combined use of recombinant collagen dressings in the treatment of acne scars demonstrates significant reparative effects, prevents hyperpigmentation, and is not associated with other adverse reactions; patients exhibit good compliance and high satisfaction.

Skin diseases constitute a global health concern, and the promotion of skin health along with the prevention and control of related diseases hold significant public health importance. At this year’s CDA Congress, Giant Biogene specially established a clinical literature display wall at its booth, centrally showcasing clinical research reports on recombinant collagen in the treatment of various dermatological conditions. Over the years, Giant Biogene has laid a solid foundation for the application of recombinant collagen in life sciences, tissue engineering, medical healthcare, and other fields. Particularly in the field of dermatology, Giant Biogene’s scientific research team has conducted 14 years of clinical experimental exploration into the role of recombinant collagen in skin barrier repair, sensitive skin restoration, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, and photoaging of the skin, with its clinical patient studies dating back to 2010.

To further explore advancements in the diagnosis and treatment of dermatological conditions, Giant Biogene hosted dozens of popular science seminars and workshops at the CDA event. These sessions brought together numerous young dermatologists, who engaged in in-depth discussions with Giant Biogene’s academic team on topics including the diagnosis and treatment of skin diseases and product indications. Recombinant collagen garnered significant attention and strong interest from attending dermatology professionals, owing to its remarkable efficacy and the high success rates demonstrated in clinical cases.

Giant Biogene has conducted extensive and in-depth research in the field of dermatology, focusing not only on the exploration and application of recombinant collagen but also continuously broadening its research horizons to explore diverse therapeutic approaches. The Group’s innovative products under brands such as Comfy, Keyi, and Kehen were collectively unveiled at this conference, showcasing the Group’s accumulated expertise in providing diversified treatment solutions and offering a wider range of options for dermatologists and patients.

Taking the Comfy brand as an example, its R&D team has conducted long-term research into issues such as skin sensitivity, dermatitis and acne, and suboptimal skin conditions. Leveraging core ingredients including recombinant collagen and rare ginsenoside CK, it has successively developed five major product lines. In the future, it will continue to provide more customized solutions for various skin concerns based on proprietary raw materials derived from synthetic biology.

A relevant executive at Giant Biogene stated that the Group will continue to leverage its extensive research accumulation in dermatology, its achievements in synthetic biology, and its leading production technologies to develop more innovative products, address actual clinical needs, and advance the cause of medicine and health.

Effective outreach in the field of science communication can break down the “invisible barriers” of academia. Giant Biogene has long been committed to disseminating medical-grade professional dermatological knowledge and promoting consumer awareness of skin health.

Giant Biogene’s professional skincare brand, Comfy, has partnered for the first time with Xiaohongshu (Little Red Book), the official collaboration platform of the conference, to address common public skin concerns and establish a public dialogue channel for dermatological science. By inviting medical experts and science communicators, they jointly launched the “Answers for Your Skin” initiative. During the CDA Conference, the “Treasure Spot Check-in Campaign,” co-hosted by Comfy and Xiaohongshu, attracted significant participation. Online, through IP-themed content such as videos and articles, the campaign addressed common consumer skin issues to disseminate professional skincare knowledge. This effort supports public education on skin diseases and promotes scientific skincare concepts from B2B to B2C levels, demonstrating active corporate social responsibility. The initiative encourages consumers to proactively monitor their skin condition, correctly understand skin problems, and actively seek scientific solutions. This campaign also reflects Giant Biogene’s commitment to social responsibility and its industry value in advancing skin health.

With advances in dermatology and biotechnology, efficacy-based skincare products will increasingly emphasize personalization and precision, featuring tailored formulation design and efficacy prediction for different skin types, age groups, and environmental stressors. Leveraging its robust R&D team and industry-leading technological advantages, Giant Biogene will continue to expand the professional frontiers of biotechnology, solidify its position as an innovation leader in the industry, and contribute further to the advancement of dermatology and medical sciences.

* Note:

[1] Source: Euromonitor International (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., based on 2023 operating revenue. Recombinant collagen enterprises refer to companies that possess independent R&D, production, and sales capabilities for recombinant collagen raw materials, or that produce and sell end products using their own recombinant collagen as the primary ingredient. Recombinant collagen is defined as collagen or collagen-like polypeptides prepared through extraction and purification processes, produced by genetically manipulating and/or modifying genes encoding human collagen using recombinant DNA technology, introducing the target gene into appropriate host cells (such as bacteria, yeast, or other eukaryotic cells) via plasmid or viral vectors, and expressing and translating it. This category includes recombinant human collagen, recombinant humanized collagen, and recombinant collagen-like proteins. The research was completed in March 2024.

[2] Laser Cosmetic Group of the Chinese Society of Medical Aesthetics and Cosmetology, Chinese Medical Association; Cosmetic Laser Group of the Chinese Society of Dermatology and Venereology, Chinese Medical Association; Laser Group of the Chinese Association of Plastic and Aesthetic Surgeons. Expert consensus on the treatment of acne scars in China (2021)[J]. Chinese Journal of Dermatology, 2021, 54(9):10. DOI:10.35541/cjd.20210182.