Huonslab working on 1st locally-developed human hyaluronidase enzyme

Huonslab, a subsidiary of Huons Global, has taken a step closer to developing the first locally developed human hyaluronidase enzyme product.

Hyaluronic acid is used as a drug-spreading agent that directly decomposes hyaluronic acid present in the human body subcutaneously to remove pain and swelling.

The company said Tuesday that it has confirmed that HLB3-002, its human hyaluronidase enzyme product, exhibited a similar drug diffusing effect to a subcutaneous antibody drug containing Halozyme's human hyaluronidase PH20 enzyme when tested at the same concentration. 

The test, conducted through a clinical research organization(CRO), confirmed that the addition of HLB3-002 to the intravenous drug resulted in faster diffusion compared to administering the intravenous drug subcutaneously alone. 

"As we confirmed positive results through the antibody-drug diffusivity and pharmacokinetic test of HLB3-002 produced by animal cell culture technology, we are currently conducting non-clinical toxicity tests," Huonslab Bio Institute Executive Director Lim Chae-young said. "The company plans to quickly prepare for clinical tests and release the human-derived natural hyaluronidase as a stand-alone product."

Lim stressed that HLB3-002 could be used for plastic surgery, skin swelling, and pain relief. It can also improve patient convenience as HLB3-002 comes out in a subcutaneous formulation, he added. 

According to the Research Market, a market research firm, the global market for hyaluronidase drugs is expected to reach $1.4 billion in 2026 from $700 million in 2018, showing a high average annual growth rate of 8.6 percent.