[Asia Economy Reporter Chunhee Lee] HLB Pharmaceutical announced on the 10th that its self-developed manufacturing method for long-acting injectable microparticles has been registered as a patented technology in Europe, recognizing its high global-level technological capability and commercialization potential.
HLB Pharmaceutical obtained a patent from the European Patent Office (EPO) for the "method of manufacturing biodegradable microparticles using a stabilized monophase mixture." Long-acting injectables improve upon the drawbacks of conventional drugs that require daily oral or injectable administration by enabling the drug to be slowly released over an extended period within the patient's body. They are expected to be used as personalized treatments for diseases requiring long-term medication, such as diabetes, obesity, and dementia, by enhancing patient medication adherence.
HLB Pharmaceutical is developing various peptide therapeutics for different indications using its long-acting injectable platform, "SMEB." Peptide drugs have the advantages of strong efficacy and low side effects due to their biocompatible properties, but manufacturing them at a commercial scale has been challenging. Many attempts have been made to develop long-acting injectables, but most have faced difficulties.
HLB Pharmaceutical's patented technology addresses these issues by incorporating peptide drugs into biodegradable polymer microparticles to enhance stability. Notably, the drug delivery system in the form of microparticles is manufactured using an optimal monophase mixture, which does not require additional thickeners or surfactants, thus preventing phase separation phenomena. There were also no initial drug burst side effects commonly observed in long-acting injectables. Following the European patent, HLB Pharmaceutical plans to pursue a patent in the United States as well.
Lee Sang-hwi, head of research leading HLB Pharmaceutical's technology development, stated, "This patented technology enables mass production of various peptides or hydrophilic drugs that are difficult to administer orally as long-acting injectables, which will provide significant therapeutic benefits to patients with various diseases in the future."
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