Alteogen presents study on acromegaly at ‘ENDO 2024’

Alteogen, a Korean biotech company, said Monday that it presented a poster on its long-acting acromegaly treatment, ALT-B5, at the annual congress of Endocrine Society (ENDO 2024) in Boston, Mass., from June 1-4, local time.

The presentation was based on research conducted by Professors Lee Eun-jig and Koo Cheol-yong of the Department of Endocrinology at Severance Hospital.

Acromegaly is a rare disease characterized by excessive secretion of growth hormone, resulting in enlargement of the face, hands, and feet, as well as increased risk of heart failure and cancer. Current treatments include pituitary surgery, radiation therapy, and medication, and the market is expected to grow to about $2.14 billion (2.96 trillion won) by 2028. Long-acting therapies are needed to reduce the side effects and discomfort of existing treatments

The poster presentation showcased the effectiveness of ALT-B5, a growth hormone antagonist, in cell lines and animal models. It also included a study showing that ALT-B5 can be combined with Alteogen's recombinant hyaluronidase ALT-B4 for a more effective subcutaneous formulation.

Alteogen emphasized that ALT-B5 was more effective at a lower dose than Pfizer's Pegvisomant, which is dosed once daily, for acromegaly.

“The inconvenience of daily administration with Pegvisomant has been a significant challenge for patients with acromegaly. However, with the development of ALT-B5, which can be administered once a week, we are hopeful that this will greatly improve the quality of life for these patients,” an Alteogen official expressed with optimism.

Alteogen, listed on the Kosdaq market, is engaged in the research and development of biosimilars, biobetters, and antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) therapeutics. Its core pipeline includes Hybrozyme (recombinant hyaluronidase), a SC formulation modification platform, ALT-P1 (long-acting human growth hormone), ALT-L9 (Eylea biosimilar), ALT-L2 (Herceptin biosimilar), and Tergase Injection (ALT-BB4 in development name), a hyaluronidase standalone product.