A Korean private equity firm has combined LG Chem’s aesthetics division with two smaller companies to create a standalone medical aesthetics group, the new entity announced, as consolidation accelerates in Asia’s injectables market.
LYV Sciences, backed by Seoul-based VIG Partners, brings together LG Chem’s aesthetics business, thread-lift maker Ultra V, and botulinum toxin developer ATGC under a single corporate structure.
The new entity is led by Han Jong-hyun, who previously served as president of Dongwha Pharm and president and chief executive of Dong-A Socio Holdings.
The combination gives LYV Sciences a portfolio spanning three core product categories: hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers, biostimulators, and botulinum toxin.
Its YVOIRE filler line is sold in more than 45 countries. ULTRACOL, a polydioxanone (PDO) microsphere-based biostimulator, the company says, is the first of its kind and is available in more than 17 countries. Product registration is complete in more than 30 countries.
Botulinum toxin represents LYV Sciences’ primary growth target. The company said it is pursuing a dual-track strategy of parallel clinical development and licensing deals, with Europe and the United States as priority markets. Its lead toxin candidate, ATGC-110, is marketed under the brand name Botaluma.
LYV Sciences announced the launch on Saturday at a symposium called LINK Global, held at the Sofitel Ambassador hotel in Seoul. The event drew medical practitioners from 16 countries, including China, Japan, Thailand, France, Spain, and Mexico.
