Huonslab's hyaluronidase drug produces significant results in latest test

Huonslab's HLB3-002, a human genetic recombinant hyaluronidase candidate, produced meaningful results in its last test, confirming its efficacy.

The company said Tuesday the candidate exhibited a similar drug diffusing effect as the subcutaneous antibody drug containing the same concentration of San Diego-based Halozyme Therapeutics' hyaluronidase enzyme.

Hyaluronidase is used as a drug diffusion agent that directly decomposes hyaluronic acid in the subcutaneous tissue of the human body, to help with pain and swelling. It is also used to convert intravenous injection drugs into subcutaneous injections.

The experiment also confirmed that the addition of HLB3-002 to the intravenous drug resulted in faster diffusion than when administering the intravenous drug subcutaneously alone.

Compared to another subcutaneous drug containing the hyaluronidase enzyme that was manufactured under the same conditions, HLB3-002 showed a similar drug diffusion effect and was confirmed to have efficacy equivalent to Halozyme's hyaluronidase enzyme.

The global market for hyaluronidase drugs is expected to grow at an annual rate of 8.6 percent to reach $1.4 billion in 2026 from $700 million in 2018.

"We will quickly prepare for clinical tests and release the human-derived natural hyaluronidase as a stand-alone product. When completed, it will be used in the areas of plastic surgery, skin swelling and pain relief," said Lim Chae-young, the executive director of Huonslab Bio Institute.

"HLB3-002 can convert biopharmaceutical intravenous injections into subcutaneous drugs, which can improve its convenience," Lim added.

Huonslab is a research company 100 percent owned by Huons Global. Huonslab is also developing a biosimilar referencing Amgen's Prolia, an osteoporosis treatment.

BY SARAH CHEA [chea.sarah@joongang.co.kr]