About the Founder
The Journey of Dr. Yun Yung: From Research to Biopeptide Innovation
Dr. Yun Yung’s career has been shaped by a deep interest in molecular biology, regenerative medicine, and the ways bioactive molecules influence human health. His path has taken him from foundational academic research to leadership in biotechnology, culminating in the launch of Pomelo Biosciences, a company focused on biopeptide-based health solutions.
Early Academic Foundations
Dr. Yung began his academic journey at the University of California, Berkeley, where he earned an A.B. in Molecular & Cell Biology and Cognitive Sciences. During this time, he developed an interest in how biological systems function at a molecular level, which set the foundation for his later work in biomedical sciences.
His research experience deepened at Stanford University School of Medicine, where he worked as a Research Assistant in Professor Victor Tse’s lab. There, he focused on tumor vasculature and explored the role of circulating bone marrow-derived cells in brain tumor growth. This research introduced him to the intricate signaling mechanisms that govern cell behavior, an area that would become central to his later studies.
Doctoral Research and Early Discoveries
Dr. Yung pursued his PhD in Biomedical Sciences at UC San Diego, where he studied lipid signaling and its effects on brain development. His research uncovered how bioactive lipids, particularly lysophosphatidic acid (LPA), influence neural progenitor cell fate. He also identified links between lipid signaling and chromosomal aneuploidy in the brain, an unexpected finding that contributed to advancements in single-cell RNA sequencing techniques.
During this period, he developed a flow cytometry method (NeuN+ antigen sorting) that became widely used in neuroscience research. His work at UC San Diego established a strong foundation in molecular signaling and regenerative processes, areas that would later intersect with biopeptide research.
Postdoctoral Research and Expanding Focus
After completing his PhD, Dr. Yung joined The Scripps Research Institute as a Research Associate under Professor Jerold Chun. His research focused on maternal contributions to perinatal brain disorders, particularly neonatal hydrocephalus. This work involved using integrated biological and chemical approaches to understand how factors in blood impact brain development, further reinforcing his expertise in bioactive molecules.
He later transitioned to Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, where he became a Research Assistant Professor. In this role, he led projects on fetal and childhood hydrocephalus, collaborating with neurosurgeons and research groups to develop new insights into hemorrhage-related brain disorders. His work included advanced RNA sequencing and tissue correlation studies, which are now widely used in genomic research.
Leading Research at Scintillon Institute
In 2018, Dr. Yung joined Scintillon Institute as an Assistant Professor and research leader, where his work expanded beyond neurobiology into stem cell therapies, high-throughput diagnostics, and bioactive compounds. His team investigated:
Stem cell-derived therapies for conditions like diabetes and spinal cord injury.
High-throughput disease diagnostics using nanobodies and machine learning.
Bioactive compounds and peptidomimetics inspired by traditional medicine, exploring their role in promoting cellular repair and longevity.
This phase of his career marked a significant shift toward applying scientific discoveries in practical ways, bridging laboratory research with real-world applications.
Biotech Industry Leadership
While leading research at Scintillon, Dr. Yung also took on roles in biotech companies. He became a Group Leader at Allele Biotechnology, where he worked on preclinical in vivo studies for iPSC-derived cell therapies. He later co-founded Allele Cypert Technology, a company focused on merging biology and high-tech solutions to improve health.
Through his work in both academic and commercial biotech environments, Dr. Yung saw the potential of peptides and peptidomimetics—molecules that could mimic the body’s own biological signals to promote healing, regeneration, and longevity.
The Founding of Pomelo Biosciences
In 2024, Dr. Yung launched Pomelo Biosciences, a company dedicated to applying biopeptide innovations to consumer health. His goal was to take years of molecular research, regenerative medicine advancements, and biotech expertise and translate them into effective, science-backed solutions for cellular repair and long-term health.
Through Pomelo Biosciences, he continues to explore how peptides can support the body’s natural healing processes, leveraging decades of research to create products that integrate the best of biotech and wellness.
