Cosmax Group expands bio-medical research with Harvard-affiliated MGB

Cosmax Group has entered into a second phase of joint microbiome research, known as the ‘VIVA Project,’ with Mass General Brigham (MGB), the medical system overseeing Harvard Medical School-affiliated teaching hospitals. The agreement was signed at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston.

Building on initial research that identified microbial substances capable of improving skin barrier functions and alleviating atopic dermatitis symptoms—findings published in the journal ‘Allergy’—the new phase will run from 2026 to 2029. The project aims to expand Cosmax’s scope from cosmetic ingredients to high-value health functional foods and bio-new drug candidates.

A key focus of the VIVA Project is the discovery of lactic acid bacteria and functional materials that mimic the mechanism of GLP-1, a hormone involved in blood sugar regulation and appetite suppression. The group also plans to commercialize anti-aging and slow-aging solutions. To accelerate development, Cosmax will integrate AI technology to assist in hypothesis design and candidate optimization, utilizing MGB’s clinical infrastructure to verify the efficacy and safety of new substances.