Total medical aesthetics company Hugel said Friday that it has begun developing a next-generation Type E botulinum toxin.
Hugel plans to expand its portfolio with various strain types to secure new growth engines for the future, following its existing Type A botulinum toxin product, Botulax. Currently, there are no Type E toxin products globally, so if approved and launched, the company is expected to establish a unique position in the aesthetic and cosmetic market.
Type A is the most commonly used toxin, and its effectiveness starts gradually from three to seven days after administration and lasts for more than six months. Type E, on the other hand, is characterized by its effectiveness within 24 hours and lasts for four weeks, creating new demand among consumers who want faster results.
In addition, numerous studies have proven that Type E botulinum toxin is effective in relieving pain before and after surgery, treating itching, and healing wounds, raising expectations of expanding beyond the aesthetic field, Hugel explained.
To accelerate the development of this new Type E product, Hugel has signed an agreement with a U.S.-based company specializing in botulinum toxin research to collaborate on strain introduction and development. The U.S. company has been specializing in toxin research for decades and is known to have competitive technology and know-how.
As botulinum toxin is a highly difficult substance to develop with limited movement between countries, Hugel plans to work with its U.S. partner to quickly develop products in the U.S., the world’s largest market, while complying with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) regulations.
“We have partnered with a company specializing in endotoxin research in the U.S. to develop botulinum toxin Type E, which has not yet been licensed globally,” Hugel’s Executive Chairman Cha Suk-yong said. “Following Botulax, licensed and marketed in 63 countries, we will continue our expansive path to the global top tier by quickly developing new products.”
