Antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) technology, which is leading an innovative paradigm shift in the field of cancer treatment, is attracting global attention. ADC is a form in which a cytotoxic drug is linked to an antibody that binds only to specific cancer cell target antigens, and is called a 'magic bullet' that overcomes the limitations of existing chemotherapy, minimizes damage to normal cells, and precisely delivers drugs only to cancer cells. The global ADC market is expected to grow rapidly from $10 billion in 2023 to about $28 billion (approximately 40 trillion won) in 2028, and this is acting as a major growth driver for the entire anticancer drug market.
Alteogen, a Korean bio company, is making its presence known with its unique technology in this next-generation anticancer drug market. In particular, Alteogen owns its own antibody-drug conjugate therapeutic platform, NexMab™, and has built its unique ADC development capabilities through this. Alteogen's efforts, which started ADC research in 2011 and has been dedicated to technology development since the time when ADC was unfamiliar in Korea, are bearing fruit. This proactive investment has become an important foundation for Alteogen to emerge as a major player in the global ADC market.
One of Alteogen's core competencies is its unique human hyaluronidase technology, Hybrozyme™ (ALT-B4) platform. This technology enables the conversion of intravenous (IV) formulation drugs to subcutaneous (SC) formulation, significantly improving patient convenience. While existing IV formulations take about 30 to 60 minutes in the hospital, SC formulations can be administered in just 1 to 8 minutes, which can significantly improve the quality of life for patients. This contributes to improving safety by controlling the blood concentration of ADC drugs, which are particularly toxic, and Alteogen is accelerating the development of SC formulations by applying this technology to ADC drugs.
Alteogen's Hybrozyme™ platform is receiving enthusiastic interest from global pharmaceutical companies. MSD (Merck) of the United States has introduced Alteogen's ALT-B4 technology to develop the SC formulation of 'Keytruda', an immunotherapeutic blockbuster, and has obtained U.S. FDA product approval. This is the first global commercialized product to which the Alteogen platform has been applied, and Alteogen is expected to generate royalty revenue of more than 1 trillion won annually. In addition, Daiichi Sankyo of Japan, which is the No. 1 in the ADC market, has entered clinical trials by signing an exclusive license agreement with Alteogen for the development of the SC formulation of 'Enhertu'. These large-scale contracts are a clear proof of the innovation and market value of Alteogen's technology.
Alteogen's ALT-B4 technology has U.S. material patents registered until early 2043, securing a longer patent term than competitors. This acts as a very attractive factor for global pharmaceutical companies that want to extend patents and maintain market competitiveness by converting to SC formulations in response to the patent expiration of blockbuster drugs. Alteogen is expected to secure continuous growth momentum in the future, as it is accelerating platform expansion by signing technology transfer agreements with a number of global pharmaceutical companies, including AstraZeneca, in addition to Keytruda and Enhertu.
Alteogen's ADC technology and Hybrozyme™ platform contribute not only to developing new therapeutic agents, but also to realizing a patient-centered medical environment by going beyond the limitations of existing treatments. As the precise targeting ability of ADC is combined with the convenience of subcutaneous injection, cancer patients will be able to receive safer and more effective treatment at home or in small hospitals. This innovation will solidify Alteogen's position as a game changer that is changing the landscape of the next-generation anticancer drug market. It is noteworthy what new history Alteogen will write in the global bio industry in the future.
A1: ADC is a therapeutic agent that connects a cytotoxic drug to an antibody that binds to antigens expressed only on specific cancer cells. It is attracting attention as a next-generation anticancer agent because it has the advantage of precisely attacking cancer cells and minimizing damage to normal cells.
A2: Hybrozyme™ (ALT-B4) is a unique human hyaluronidase technology that converts intravenous (IV) formulation drugs to subcutaneous (SC) formulation. It shortens the drug administration time and greatly improves patient convenience.
A3: Alteogen is maximizing patient convenience by combining the precise targeting ability of ADC with subcutaneous injection conversion technology using the Hybrozyme™ platform. This is recognized as an essential technology for the development of SC formulations of global blockbuster anticancer drugs, and its value is being proven through cooperation with global big pharma companies such as MSD and Daiichi Sankyo.
A4: It reduces the long administration time of the existing intravenous method and the inconvenience of visiting the hospital, allowing patients to conveniently receive treatment at home or at a nearby hospital. In addition, it can improve the quality of life for patients by increasing the safety of drug administration.
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