Huonslab patents ADC injection platform

Gyeonggi-based pharmaceutical firm Huonslab has patented a subcutaneous formulation for antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), using its hyaluronidase-based platform Hydiffuze, the company said Monday.

Hydiffuze is designed to speed absorption and improve how ADC drugs spread through the body, by breaking down hyaluronic acid in the skin and underlying tissue.

ADCs are targeted cancer therapies that pair a monoclonal antibody with a drug payload to attack specific cells — normally given by IV infusion, which the new formulation could replace with an injection under the skin.

The subcutaneous approach is more convenient for the patient and improves the efficiency of ADC delivery.

Compared to those who did not receive the Hydiffuze-based formulation, those treated with it showed a 126 percent jump in systemic drug exposure and a 149 percent increase in peak plasma concentration, according to the company. Peak plasma concentration is the maximum point of medical substance concentration in blood.  

In addition to the patent, Huonslab has secured intellectual property rights for the core technologies used in ADC subcutaneous formulations.

“This patent is meaningful in that it demonstrates the applicability of the Hydiffuze platform to ADCs while expanding the platform’s potential applications,” a Huonslab representative said.

“Going forward, we will continue to advance the platform technology, broaden its application to a wide range of next-generation biopharmaceuticals, and further strengthen the platform’s competitiveness through global business development.”

BY LEE SOO-JUNG [[email protected]]