# Utilization of human tissue in dermatological research

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/utilization-of-human-tissue-in-dermatological-research
> Updated: 2026-08-22T11:57:35.000Z. Sources: 6. Developments: 2.

Research and commercial efforts are advancing in the use of discarded human biological tissue for dermatological and cosmetic applications.

In South Korea, 365mc, Bundang Seoul National University Hospital, and Monitcell have partnered to develop next-generation artificial skin models. This project utilizes human fat-derived extracellular matrix (ECM) to create biological scaffolds, aiming to replace animal-derived or synthetic materials. The initiative follows a South Korean legal amendment to the Waste Management Act that allows for the recycling of human-derived fat.

In the United States, Massachusetts-based startup Outer Biosciences has emerged from stealth mode, revealing technology that keeps surgically discarded human skin tissue viable for up to 30 days. Co-founded by Michael Polansky, with Lady Gaga serving on the board of directors, the company uses this living tissue to train artificial intelligence models. 

This AI predicts how specific chemical compounds affect skin functions, such as collagen remodeling, pigmentation, and barrier repair. By feeding testing results back into the model, the company has reportedly increased the speed of identifying candidate compounds from one every 18 months to approximately one every six weeks. Outer Biosciences has raised roughly $23 million and intends to license discovered biological mechanisms and ingredients to pharmaceutical and beauty companies.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-22: Outer Biosciences uses AI and living skin tissue for research

Outer Biosciences is using AI and living human skin tissue, kept viable for up to a month, to identify new cosmetic and biological compounds.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/outer-biosciences-uses-living-human-skin-to-train-ai-models

### 2026-08-17: 365mc and partners to develop artificial skin using human fat

365mc, Bundang Seoul National University Hospital, and Monitcell are collaborating to develop artificial skin models using human fat-derived extracellular matrix (ECM) for regenerative medicine research.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/365mc-and-partners-to-develop-artificial-skin-using-human-fat

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Cite as: Utilization of human tissue in dermatological research. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/utilization-of-human-tissue-in-dermatological-research