Polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN) injections have become a widely popular skincare treatment in South Korea and are rapidly gaining global recognition. Yet, despite their rising popularity, many remain unfamiliar with the science behind PDRN’s effectiveness. A clear understanding of the biological mechanisms underlying these treatments is essential—not only to empower consumers to make informed decisions but also to encourage responsible innovation that promotes public health and equity.
PDRN is composed of DNA fragments extracted from the sperm cells of salmon species such as Oncorhynchus mykiss (salmon trout) and Oncorhynchus keta (chum salmon). These fragments are of low molecular weight, typically ranging from 50 to 1,500 kDA (Khan, et.al), which enhances their absorption and bioavailability (Durrant Lab). Structurally, PDRN is composed of deoxyribonucleotides– molecules made up of nitrogenous bases (purines and pyrimidines) linked by phosphodiester bonds– forming a double-helix (Khan, et.al).
What distinguishes PDRN is its exceptionally high purity, achieved through DNA extraction specifically from sperm cells. This process removes contaminants such as proteins, peptides, and lipids, yielding a product that is over 95% pure (Science Direct). This level of purification is crucial to prevent immunological responses upon injection, making PDRN a safe and reliable option for both clinical and cosmetic applications.
PDRN provides therapeutic benefits via two primary mechanisms. First, it selectively binds to adenosine A2A receptors, one of four adenosine receptor subtypes (A1, A2A, A2B, A3). Studies on human skin fibroblasts show that activation of A2A receptors drives PDRN’s key effects, including reduced inflammation and oxidative stress. By targeting these receptors, PDRN suppresses harmful signaling pathways triggered by reactive oxygen species (ROS), a major contributor to skin aging. Additionally, it promotes the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines (Science Direct).
Second, PDRN plays a vital role in tissue regeneration by supplying nucleotides necessary for DNA synthesis. In damaged tissues where nucleic acids have been degraded, the body’s ability to synthesize new DNA is impaired. PDRN provides purine and pyrimidine bases that can enter the salvage pathway, facilitating efficient DNA repair and promoting healthy cell proliferation (Squadrito, et.al).
Despite PDRN’s significant therapeutic potential, its growing popularity also reveals challenges to widespread adoption. A major barrier is the high production cost of medical-grade PDRN due to the complex extraction and purification process from salmon DNA. This makes treatments expensive and often inaccessible to lower-income patients, with availability largely restricted to private clinics that serve higher-income populations. In fact, data suggest that individuals earning over $50,000 annually make up the majority of premium PDRN consumers (Verified Market Reports).
At the same time, increasing demand for PDRN may lead to the rise of lower-cost, unregulated alternatives, especially in countries with less stringent medical regulations (Data Insights Market). For example, some parts of the Asia-Pacific region experience inconsistent regulatory enforcement and underdeveloped medical infrastructure, which can facilitate the circulation of PDRN products that fail to meet established purity standards (LinkedIn). This situation significantly elevates the risk of adverse effects and poses a growing threat to public well-being.
This disparity highlights a critical equity issue: those who could benefit most from regenerative therapies often lack affordable and safe access. To bridge this gap, increased scientific and policy efforts must focus on developing safer, more affordable alternatives that maintain the therapeutic efficacy of traditional PDRN.
One promising avenue is microbial-sourced PDRN, with the first reported source being Lactobacillus rhamnosus. Compared to salmon-derived PDRN, it has demonstrated enhanced properties, including a greater ability to protect tissue cells from oxidative stress (Chae, et.al). Unlike salmon, a seasonal marine source, microbial production can occur year-round, potentially increasing accessibility for a broader population regardless of location or season. However, limited research on microbial-sourced PDRN means its safety and full potential remain uncertain.
In addition to expanding research on alternatively sourced PDRN, comprehensive systematic efforts are needed to ensure that technological advancements do not deepen existing healthcare inequalities. This includes improving regulatory frameworks in low- and middle-income countries, fostering international collaboration to share knowledge and resources, and investing in clinical trials (Gavi, The Vaccine Alliance). Moreover, transparent labeling and public education campaigns are important to help consumers distinguish between high-quality, clinically approved PDRN products and unregulated alternatives.
PDRN exemplifies a larger trend seen in emerging biotechnologies, where innovation often outpaces accessibility. The success of a treatment like PDRN should not be measured by its market popularity alone, but by how fairly and responsibly its benefits are shared. Ultimately, advancing both the science and equitable implementation of these technologies will require interdisciplinary efforts that bring together diverse stakeholders across our communities.
By: Yuri Kang
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