Hugel Begins Development of Next-Generation Botulinum Toxin with 'Immediate Effect'

Hugel is embarking on the development of next-generation botulinum toxin.

Hugel New CI
[Photo by Hugel]

Hugel announced on the 3rd that it has begun developing a next-generation botulinum toxin formulation of type E. Currently, the botulinum toxin products commonly used worldwide are type 'A' products. Hugel also owns Botulax.

Botulinum toxin has various types ranging from A to H. The type A, which is mainly used now, gradually shows effects 3 to 7 days after administration and the efficacy lasts for more than 6 months. Type E shows rapid effects within 24 hours of administration and lasts for 4 weeks. It is expected to create new demand targeting consumers who want faster effects. Additionally, through numerous studies, effects such as pain relief before and after surgery, treatment of itching, and wound healing have been proven, suggesting the potential to expand beyond the cosmetic field into therapeutic areas.

Hugel plans to secure future growth engines by expanding its portfolio with various strain types following Botulax through the development of type E products. Since there are no type E toxin products launched globally yet, if approval and launch are successful, it is expected to establish a significant position in the beauty and plastic surgery markets. Currently, AbbVie, the developer of Botox, is expected to complete phase 3 clinical trials for BoNT/E, which it secured by acquiring Bonti in 2018, and apply for approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) within this year.

To accelerate the development of the new type E product, Hugel signed a contract for strain introduction and development cooperation with a U.S.-based botulinum toxin research specialist company. This company has specialized in toxin research for decades and possesses competitive technologies and know-how. Hugel plans to rapidly develop the product locally in the U.S. while complying with the regulations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) through this collaboration.

Cha Seok-yong, Chairman of Hugel, said, “We have partnered with a U.S. toxin research specialist company to begin developing the type E botulinum toxin, which has not yet been approved anywhere in the world,” and added, “Following Botulax, which is approved and sold in 63 countries, we will swiftly develop new products and continue our aggressive advance toward becoming a global top-tier company.”