World's first water-soluble, highly bioavailable curcumin research

Information about Dr. Woo Song Lee

Dr. Woo Song Lee was a prominent researcher at the Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB).

He served as the head of the Jeonbuk Branch of the Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), overseeing government-funded projects.

Dr. Woo Song Lee initiated the ABSL-3 (Animal Biosafety Level 3) operational accreditation process in 2008 and successfully obtained accreditation from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on July 24, 2019. Shortly after, the COVID-19 pandemic emerged, enabling him to conduct research on the SARS-CoV-2 virus using animal models and cancer research with mouse model.

Research and Contributions

Woo Song Lee has been credited with a number of research works, reflecting his significant contributions to the field of bioscience.

He has 182 research works cited 7,289 times as of March 7th 2025, which include studies focusing on WIN-Technology (Water-solubilization of Insoluble Natural materials Technology).
Enhancing bioavailability of phytochemicals and health promoting supplements.
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Woo-Lee-11

Optimization of Microwave-Assisted Green Method for Enhanced Solubilization of Water-Soluble Curcuminoids Prepared Using Steviol Glycosides

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34829084/

As of today, the most bioavailable curcumin supplement is developed by his technology.
1600 times higher absorption rate than traditional curcumin.
Many Koreans consumed supplement made with WIN-Technology experienced amazing health benefits and miracles since they were available commercially in Korea since 2022.

However, miracle stories are not easily shared online due to medical censorship, which restricts consumers and Independent Business Owners of Inqten from discussing their experiences, labeling them as exaggerated advertising that violates FDA regulations.

Solubilized curcuminoid complex prevents extensive immunosuppression through immune restoration and antioxidant activity: Therapeutic potential against SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19)

Int Immunopharmacol
. 2023 Feb:115:109635. doi: 10.1016/j.intimp.2022.109635. Epub 2022 Dec 26.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36580758/

The most bioavailable curcumin in the world

Dr. Lee has extensively studied curcuminoids, natural compounds found in turmeric believed to possess significant therapeutic potential. His research aims at enhancing the bioavailability and biological efficacy of curcuminoids using innovative methods like microwave-assisted extraction and solubilization with stevioside. This approach could significantly boost curcumin's therapeutic capacity, making it more effective in health applications, particularly involving immune system regulation.

Cancer Research
In cancer research, Dr. Lee investigates how bioactive compounds can inhibit pathways crucial to cancer progression and immunosuppression related to cancer treatments. His studies suggest that these compounds can enhance the immune response, providing a foundation for potential new therapies that leverage the body's immune defenses to combat cancer.

Antiviral Research
Dr. Lee has conducted research on the antiviral properties of curcuminoids and other bioactive natural compounds. His work includes evaluating these compounds against SARS-CoV-2 and influenza viruses. Notably, his research has demonstrated a reduction in viral loads and improvement in lung pathology in animal models, indicating potential for curcuminoids to act as antiviral agents.

Moreover, Dr. Lee's team developed KW-100, an innovative antiviral material derived from herbal sources, which has shown effectiveness against influenza viruses. This development led to a significant technology transfer agreement worth billions, underscoring the practical applications of his research.

Collaborative Efforts
Dr. Lee collaborates widely, resulting in numerous publications and citations. His multidisciplinary work spans drug development from natural products, immune modulation, and the creation of antiviral and potentially anticancer therapies. His innovative methodologies in curcuminoid complex development and their subsequent application in therapeutic contexts highlight the impactful nature of his work in advancing biotechnological solutions for complex health issues.

Background and Funding of Dr. Woosong Lee's Curcumin Research

Curcumin Research Background
Dr. Woosong Lee has been conducting research at the Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB) to develop solubilization techniques for curcumin, significantly improving its absorption rate. Curcumin is known for its potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties but has a very low absorption rate in the body due to its poor solubility in water. To address this issue, Dr. Lee's research focuses on developing solubilization technology that dramatically enhances its bioavailability.

Technology Development and Key Achievements
Dr. Lee's team, after approximately 10 years of research, successfully developed a soluble form of curcumin with enhanced immune-boosting effects capable of combating the spread of variant viruses. This technology increased the absorption rate by over 1000 times, making it applicable in various functional foods and pharmaceuticals. As a result of this research, soluble curcumin has been commercialized as 'Dr. Qmin' by INQTEN, widely used in the market. Furthermore, this technology has been considered a candidate for COVID-19 treatments and has shown positive results in various clinical studies.

Funding and Research Environment

The development of curcumin solubilization technology was conducted with the support of the Korean government, receiving approximately 25 billion won in government funding.

25 billion KRW in 2007 was roughly 27 million USD, depending on the exact exchange rate at the time of conversion.

Project duration: 5 years 2007~2011

This project was carried out as a national research project with KRIBB leading the initiative, involving over 300 researchers. The research has gained significant attention and development in various industrial fields, particularly in biotechnology and pharmaceuticals.

• Curcumin Research
  • Background
    • Conducted at KRIBB
    • Focus on solubilization to improve absorption
    • Addresses issues of poor water solubility
  • Technology Development
    • 10 years of research
    • Soluble curcumin with enhanced immune-boosting effects
    • Increases absorption rate by over 1000 times (as of March 2025. 1600 times)
    • Applicable in functional foods and pharmaceuticals
  • Commercialization and COVID-19 Research
    • 'Dr. Qmin' Origin product by Inqten
    • Positive clinical results for COVID-19 treatment
  • Funding and Environment
    • Supported by the Korean government
    • 25 billion won investment
    • National research project led by KRIBB
    • Collaboration of 300+ researchers
    • Significant impact in biotechnology and pharmaceuticals

Woo Song Lee's Research on Curcumin

Bioavailability Improvement

• Research Focus: Improving the poor bioavailability and solubility of curcumin.
• Solution: Developed solubilized curcuminoid complex using stevioside and microwave-assisted methods to create a more water-soluble form.
• Techniques Used:
  
  • Micellar Solubilization
  • Nanosizing
  • Nanoencapsulation

Antibacterial Applications

• Research on Sialidase Inhibitors: Developed curcumin analogues as potential antibiotics by inhibiting bacterial sialidase, particularly targeting Streptococcus pneumoniae.
• Inhibitory Effectiveness: Demonstrated that compound 5e was a potent inhibitor, showing a 3.0-fold improvement over curcumin.

SARS-CoV-2 Research

• Study on Immunosuppression: Investigated the effects of curcuminoid complexes in preventing immunosuppression caused by cyclophosphamide.
• Potential Against COVID-19: Evaluated the therapeutic potential against SARS-CoV-2, showing reduced viral loads in infected hamsters.
• Mechanisms: Focused on enhancing immune responses and increasing antioxidant enzyme activities.

Funding Sources

• KRIBB: Supported by Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB) through their Research Initiative Program.
• Government and Institutional Funding: Includes funding from national science and technology projects in South Korea's Ministry of Science and ICT, and the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries.
• Collaborations and Co-authors: Worked with multiple researchers such as Woo Sik Kim, Seong-Hun Jeong, and Ki-Won Shin to advance these studies

Solubilized curcuminoid complex prevents extensive immunosuppression through immune restoration and antioxidant activity: Therapeutic potential against SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19)