HLB Group Acquires ANYGEN to Expand Peptide-Based Therapeutics

· Strategic acquisition secures key GMP-certified manufacturing, fuels GLP-1 innovation and oncology advancements.

 

HLB Group Acquires ANYGEN to Expand Peptide-Based Therapeutics (IT Times)

SEOUL, South Korea, March 10, 2025 (IT Times) – HLB Group has announced its acquisition of ANYGEN, a South Korean biotechnology company boasting the nation's only GMP-certified peptide manufacturing facility. This strategic move positions HLB Group to capitalize on the burgeoning market for peptide-based therapeutics, particularly in the rapidly expanding GLP-1 obesity treatment sector.

On March 10th, ANYGEN revealed that seven HLB Group affiliates would participate in a 15 billion KRW third-party allotment capital increase, alongside a 5 billion KRW investment in convertible bonds (CB). Financial investors (FI) will also contribute 5 billion KRW in equity and 35 billion KRW in CBs.

The acquisition grants HLB Group access to ANYGEN's advanced peptide synthesis and purification technologies, which have garnered global recognition. ANYGEN has developed over 5,000 peptide materials used in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and other industries. Notably, the company operates the only GMP- certified peptide manufacturing facility in South Korea.

ANYGEN, which had been facing financial challenges, will utilize the influx of capital to accelerate the development of a novel GLP-1 obesity treatment with enhanced efficacy and pharmacokinetics (PK) compared to existing drugs. Synergies are also expected through collaboration with HLB Pharmaceutical, which is developing a long-acting injectable obesity treatment.

Industry observers are keenly anticipating ANYGEN's upcoming cGMP certification for its active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) production facility, currently under review by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). FDA approval would significantly bolster ANYGEN's CDMO business, enabling wider global distribution of its flagship APIs, including Leuprorelin and Ganirelix, as well as other peptide-based APIs.

Leuprorelin and Ganirelix, key GPCR peptide drugs developed by ANYGEN, address critical medical needs. Leuprorelin treats conditions such as central precocious puberty, prostate cancer, and endometriosis, while Ganirelix is used in fertility treatments. The fertility treatment market is experiencing rapid growth, with the U.S. market alone valued at an estimated 8.6 trillion KRW.

The acquisition is also expected to accelerate ANYGEN's oncology-related technology advancements. Given HLB Group's focus on anticancer drug development, ANYGEN's peptide drug development expertise holds significant potential for expansion into the oncology sector. Furthermore, ANYGEN's extensive library of antimicrobial peptides could enhance collaboration with HLB Science in the development of antimicrobial peptide-based sepsis treatments.

HLB Group's established HLB Bio eco-System (HBS), an integrated collaboration system among its biotech subsidiaries, will be further strengthened by ANYGEN's peptide technology, particularly in the development of next-generation peptide-drug conjugate (PDC) cancer treatments.

Im Chang-yoon, Vice Chairman in charge of M&A at HLB Group, emphasized, "ANYGEN, founded by Dr. Kim Jae-il, a world-renowned peptide expert, has dedicated 25 years to peptide research. The company has developed groundbreaking natural peptide technology to overcome resistance issues seen in recently launched obesity treatments. With HLB Group’s financial and technological support, we will expand our CDMO business for stable revenue growth while also accelerating clinical trials for obesity, diabetes, oncology, and antibiotic treatments."

Read more: https://www.ittimes.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=67542

HLB Group Acquires ANYGEN to Expand Peptide-Based Therapeutics - IT타임스