바이오 게임체인저의 승부수: 알테오젠, 유럽 특허 장벽을 넘어 글로벌 표준으로 > K-wave Trends

Alteogen’s receipt of a patent registration grant for "ALT-B4" from the European Patent Office (EPO) holds significant meaning in terms of both technical excellence and rights protection. ALT-B4 is a recombinant human hyaluronidase independently developed by Alteogen and serves as the core engine of the "Hybrozyme" platform, which converts existing IV formulations into SC formulations. This substance maximizes stability and efficacy through "domain swapping" technology, which precisely cross-links the domains of human-derived hyaluronidase. The EPO’s decision officially recognizes the novelty and inventive step of this technology, meaning Alteogen has now secured an unshakeable, exclusive position in the massive European pharmaceutical market, extending its reach beyond the United States.

This European patent victory is not just a celebration for Alteogen, but a decisive event that is altering the landscape of the global pharmaceutical industry. Currently, seven world-class pharmaceutical companies—including MSD, AstraZeneca, GSK, Biogen, Daiichi Sankyo, and Intas—have signed licensing agreements with Alteogen to develop therapeutics based on ALT-B4. In particular, as "Keytruda SC," the subcutaneous formulation of MSD’s immuno-oncology drug "Keytruda," has already proven its commercial value in the market, Alteogen’s platform has established itself as a "proven standard." Global partners can now safely utilize Alteogen’s technology without the risk of patent disputes, which is expected to serve as a powerful catalyst for future technology exports and expanded collaborations.

What is even more interesting is that Alteogen is proving its ability to defend its intellectual property by winning consecutive legal battles against competitors. The U.S. Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) recently ruled in favor of MSD and Alteogen in successive patent invalidation trials regarding hyaluronidase, which were initiated by Halozyme. While Halozyme had previously argued that Alteogen’s technology infringed upon its rights based on its own patents, the court’s series of rulings explicitly stated that those patents were invalid. This legal superiority is a testament to the robustness of the multi-layered patent portfolio Alteogen has built and has played a decisive role in securing technical legitimacy in the global market.

Alteogen’s success strategy is highly regarded not only for its technological development but also for the meticulous design of its patent portfolio from the early stages of development. By complexly configuring various patents—including substance patents, compositions, methods of use, and production methods—the company protects its technology with a dense patent net. With substance patents secured in the U.S. until 2043, the company has established a foundation for long-term revenue, and it is now completing its global intellectual property protection system by expanding that scope to Europe. This is a result that reflects Alteogen’s clear management philosophy: to leap beyond being a simple technology licensing company and become a global bio-enterprise that leads the world market based on its unique platform competitiveness.

Market reactions are also immediately reflecting these achievements, leading to a re-evaluation of Alteogen’s corporate value. The surge in stock price immediately following the news of the European patent signifies that investors are focusing on the long-term profitability and strengthened market dominance that this patent grant will bring. Especially in a situation where the value of subcutaneous formulations—which shorten administration time and maximize patient convenience—is increasingly rising, Alteogen has solidified its position as an irreplaceable core partner. Now, investors and industry experts are closely watching the ripple effects, wondering which new blockbuster drugs the patent portfolio secured by Alteogen will be combined with to expand the market.