Xenofocus Commercializes UDCA Manufacturing Enzyme "Supplies Ursodeoxycholic Acid Key Raw Material to Daewoong Bio"

Genofocus, a specialized company in industrial customized enzymes, is set to mass-produce enzymes for manufacturing ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA), an active pharmaceutical ingredient for liver function improvement.

Genofocus announced on the 26th that it has completed the development and mass production preparation of UDCA manufacturing enzymes and will supply them to Daewoong Bio, the world's second-largest UDCA manufacturer. Daewoong Bio holds more than 25% of the global UDCA market share and exports to over 15 countries including Japan and Germany, as well as domestically.

UDCA is the key ingredient in Urusa, a well-known liver medicine. It promotes bile secretion to expel waste accumulated in the liver and activates liver detoxification. It is also known to protect liver cells through its antioxidant action that removes reactive oxygen species. Recent studies have revealed its effectiveness in preventing gallstones in gastric cancer patients who have undergone gastrectomy and in reducing COVID-19 infection rates.

By utilizing the manufacturing enzymes mass-produced by Genofocus this time, it is possible to produce high-purity UDCA through an eco-friendly process, unlike conventional methods. This not only improves productivity but also enables carbon reduction and minimizes waste discharge, providing differentiated competitiveness in terms of EHS (Environment, Health, and Safety).

A Genofocus official said, "After long-term consultations with demand companies and based on our unique precision enzyme technology, we have succeeded in commercializing eco-friendly enzymes optimized for the UDCA production process," adding, "Following Catalase and Lactase, we will actively target the rapidly growing UDCA market and develop it into a new core revenue source."

A Daewoong Bio official stated, "Through continuous research and development, we will contribute to improving UDCA quality and productivity and stabilizing the global supply chain with our eco-friendly enzyme process," and added, "Based on ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) management, we will grow into the world's number one UDCA company."