Hokkaido University Startup LAB BioTech (Headquarters: Sapporo City) Develops 【Fromage EVs】, the World's First* "Double Exosome Containing Lactic Acid Bacteria-Derived Exosomes (EVs)" as a New Cosmetic Ingredient.

Hokkaido University Startup LAB BioTech × Generic Cosmetics Realizes Sustainable Beauty Ingredient 'Fromage EVs' Utilizing Discarded Whey**

April 30, 2026, LAB BioTech Co., Ltd.

World's First "Double Exosome" Ingredient for Cosmetics LAB BioTech has established technology for highly pure isolation and purification of unique Extracellular Vesicles (EVs) from over 900 strains of lactic acid bacteria, and a patent application is currently pending. "Lactic acid bacteria-derived EVs, similar to human stem cell exosomes, possess a phospholipid bilayer and promote epidermal cell turnover." Fromage EVs are attracting attention as a next-generation beauty material with excellent safety, ethics, and supply stability, replacing human-derived exosomes.

Sustainable Ingredient Upcycled from Discarded Whey Approximately 400,000 tons of cheese whey are discharged annually in Japan. Fromage EVs are a low environmental impact upcycled ingredient created by purifying this unused resource. "It can utilize cheese whey, much of which is discarded, and incorporate a circular and environmentally conscious story."

Evidence of Promoting Skin Turnover In epidermal cell proliferation tests, Fromage EVs showed a cell proliferation promoting effect equivalent to that of human stem cell-derived exosomes. This is expected to lead to effects such as: Improvement of dullness, barrier function support, normalization of skin regeneration.

Potential as an "Inner Care" Material that Acts Orally Lactic acid bacteria EVs have been reported to pass through the gastrointestinal epithelium and reach blood circulation and the brain. Fromage EVs have expanding application possibilities as a material that supports beauty from both external (cosmetics) and internal (inner care) aspects.

Skincare products incorporating this ingredient are currently under development at Generic Cosmetics (URL: https://generic-cosmetics.myshopify.com/), a rapidly growing cosmetics manufacturer, with future developments planned.

Representative Comments LAB BioTech Co., Ltd. Representative Director Mutsumi Murakami "Fromage EVs are 'new beauty science from Hokkaido' born from lactic acid bacteria research and fermentation technology. As the world's first lactic acid bacteria exosome ingredient, we aim to deliver safe, secure, and sustainable beauty to the world."

Generic Cosmetics Co., Ltd. Representative Kazuya Niitsu "Fromage EVs are a highly attractive ingredient that is sustainable yet focuses on functionality. It is highly compatible with our company's philosophy of 'a world where everyone can access high-quality cosmetics,' and we are proceeding with product development utilizing this ingredient. We will continue to provide new beauty options by utilizing innovative ingredients."

*According to our own research: No examples of cosmetics using two exosomes in combination have been launched (as of April 2026) *This content is an announcement regarding research and technological development of ingredients, and does not indicate the efficacy or effects of products.

April 30, 2026

LAB BioTech Co., Ltd.

Company Overview Company Name: LAB BioTech Co., Ltd. Location: Sapporo City, Hokkaido Business Description: R&D of lactic acid bacteria-derived EVs, development of cosmetic ingredients, application in food and pharmaceuticals Features: Hokkaido University startup, selected as J-Startup HOKKAIDO

Inquiries Regarding This Matter LAB BioTech Co., Ltd. Public Relations: Mutsumi Saito Email: [email protected] Phone: 011-788-2795