Raphas Co., Ltd. is a South Korea-based biotechnology company specializing in the research, development, and manufacturing of transdermal drug delivery systems based on proprietary dissolving microneedle technology. Founded in 2006 and headquartered in Seoul, South Korea, the company utilizes its patented Droplet Extension (DEN) manufacturing process—which fabricates microstructures directly from liquid formulations without exposure to heat or ultraviolet light—to deliver cosmetic and therapeutic compounds across the skin barrier.
The company operates across two core business segments: Functional Cosmetics and Pharmaceuticals & Medical Devices. In functional cosmetics, Raphas manufactures and markets derma-cosmetic skincare patches under its proprietary Acropass brand—including targeted skincare solutions such as Trouble Cure blemish patches, Spot Eraser pigmentation treatments, and anti-aging line care patches—while providing comprehensive Original Design Manufacturing (ODM) and Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) services to third-party beauty brands. In pharmaceuticals and medical devices, the company develops transdermal patch-based therapeutics, medical-grade diagnostic skin sampling platforms, and temperature-stable patch vaccines; its therapeutic pipeline encompasses microneedle formulations for metabolic conditions, Alzheimer's dementia, local anesthetics, and hair loss treatments. Raphas operates international subsidiaries including Raphas Japan Co., Ltd. in Japan; Raphas America Inc. in the United States; and Raphas China in Shanghai, distributing its products across Asia, North America, Europe, and Australia.
In recent strategic developments, Raphas entered into a major collaboration with Japanese advanced materials developer Hosokawa Micron in July 2026 to integrate biodegradable polymer (PLGA) nanocomposite encapsulation technology into its microneedle platform, targeting the development of high-functionality cosmetics and hair regrowth therapeutics, with Raphas acting as the exclusive contract manufacturer. Additionally, following Daewon Pharmaceutical's transfer of all patent and development rights for the DW-1022 semaglutide microneedle obesity patch back to Raphas in late 2025, Raphas restructured the program to advance international clinical progression and commercialization in partnership with a Chinese pharmaceutical entity.