By: IPP Bureau
Last updated : September 04, 2026 11:32 am
Under the deal, Novartis will have multiple options to secure exclusive global rights to develop subcutaneous versions of selected products using berahyaluronidase alfa (ALT-B4).
Novartis has entered into an agreement with South Korean biopharmaceutical company Alteogen for the development and commercialisation of subcutaneous formulations of multiple Novartis medicines, using Alteogen’s proprietary ALT-B4 technology.
The agreement could be worth up to $3.22 billion, including option exercise fees, development and commercial milestones, and royalties on net sales of products commercialised using the technology.
Under the deal, Novartis will have multiple options to secure exclusive global rights to develop subcutaneous versions of selected products using berahyaluronidase alfa (ALT-B4).
ALT-B4 is a recombinant human hyaluronidase developed through Alteogen’s Hybrozyme platform. The technology is designed to enable the conversion of biologic medicines from intravenous to subcutaneous administration.
The enzyme temporarily breaks down hyaluronan in the extracellular matrix, creating space that facilitates faster and more efficient absorption of co-administered medicines delivered subcutaneously.
According to Alteogen, the potential value of the agreement could reach $3.22 billion if all options are exercised and applicable development and commercial milestones are achieved.
Tae-Yon Chun, CEO, Alteogen, said Novartis had evaluated the application of ALT-B4 across multiple therapeutic modalities for subcutaneous formulation development, adding that the agreement demonstrates the technological strength and commercial value of the Hybrozyme platform.
The agreement marks the fourth licence deal related to Alteogen’s Hybrozyme platform in 2024, as the company seeks to expand the use of its technology to convert intravenous therapies into more convenient subcutaneous formats.
Alteogen develops biologics including antibody-drug conjugates and biosimilars, alongside proprietary enzymes based on its platform technologies.
The deal comes as Novartis continues to expand its technology partnerships. In July, the Swiss drugmaker entered into a collaboration with Chai Discovery to advance the application of artificial intelligence in therapeutic antibody discovery.