바이오스펙테이터

by Sungmin Kim

Celltrion Chairman Seo Jung-jin "We have completed the internalization of self-developed hyaluronidase ahead of Halozyme’s hyaluronidase patent expiration“

▲ Seo Jung-jin Celltrion Chairman, credit=Biospectator

Celltrion Chairman Seo Jung-jin has officially announced the development of a subcutaneous (SC) formulation platform based on Halozyme’s hyaluronidase. During an investor meeting in Hong Kong on the 27th, Seo stated that the company would provide SC platform services as part of its CDMO business launching next year, while presenting the company's current business status and mid-to-long-term strategy.

Celltrion, known for pioneering the 'biosimilar era' by targeting the patent expiration of original antibody drugs, has extensive experience in patent litigation with global big pharma companies such as Roche for 'Herceptin', J&J for 'Remicade', and AbbVie for 'Humira'. Given their experience in transitioning antibody drugs from patented science to industrial applications, Celltrion's move towards developing the hyaluronidase SC platform is drawing attention.

At the investor meeting, Seo said, "Halozyme's hyaluronidase platform patent expires in 2027. We have completed the internalization for use in Celltrion's own products. We have prepared the platform to avoid issues when the substance patent expires."

Celltrion, which launched 'Remsima SC', the first SC formulation of the TNF autoimmune disease treatment 'infliximab' as a new drug in the U.S., already has strength in developing SC formulations for antibody drugs. With the recent opening of the PD-(L)1 SC formulation market in the anticancer drug area requiring high-dose antibody infusions, Celltrion has been internally reviewing SC formulation technology acquisitions for several years.... <계속>