"There Was a Reason You Can't Drink"... Research by a Company CEO Surprised by Korean Convenience Stores [Corporate Lab]

Danish Startup Alcolase
Developing an Enzyme System to Alleviate Alcohol Intolerance
Expanding into the East Asian Market with Korea as a Base

Editor's Note
As of 2022, South Korea ranks second in the world for corporate research and development (R&D) expenditures and fourth in the number of patent applications filed in the United States (2020). However, the average annual growth rate of corporate productivity dropped sharply from 6.1% between 2001 and 2010 to just 0.5% between 2011 and 2020. This is mainly due to the slowdown in productivity growth among so-called "innovative companies" that are actively engaged in innovation activities. Without change, companies risk being left behind by the market. To help the industry revive its innovation DNA, we will look at innovation cases pioneered by leading global companies. Innovative companies will serve as the catalyst to revitalize South Korea's sluggish economic growth rate.

If you experience symptoms such as your face turning red, heart palpitations, nausea, and vomiting even after drinking a small amount of alcohol, it is highly likely that you carry the gene for alcohol intolerance (Asian Flush). The reason for alcohol intolerance, which affects about 30-50% of Koreans, is genetic. Due to a genetic deficiency in the enzyme ALDH2, which breaks down alcohol, the body cannot properly metabolize acetaldehyde, a byproduct of alcohol metabolism, leading to various symptoms.

In the past, Yoo Jae-suk revealed on a broadcast that his alcohol tolerance is two glasses of beer. If you experience symptoms such as your face turning red, heart palpitations, nausea, and vomiting even after drinking a small amount of alcohol, it is highly likely that you carry the gene for alcohol intolerance (Asian Flush). KBS2 variety show "I Am a Man."

On October 7, Danish startup Alcolase announced that it is developing the world's first orally administered acetaldehyde-degrading enzyme system for people with alcohol intolerance.

The acetaldehyde-degrading enzyme system is good news for those who, even after taking hangover remedies, still cannot efficiently eliminate acetaldehyde from their bodies. Even people who feel fine while drinking can suffer from hangovers the next day if their bodies cannot quickly remove acetaldehyde. If acetaldehyde is not eliminated and continues to accumulate in the body, it can damage the immune system and tissues, increasing the risk of various diseases.

The photo is not directly related to the article. Pixabay

Mikkel Precht, co-founder and CEO of Alcolase, said, "Through market research in 2020, we discovered that there are no hangover relief products in Korea that alleviate the symptoms of alcohol intolerance or help prevent long-term health risks. Based on our expertise in molecular biomedicine and biotechnology, we set out to solve this problem."

The product Alcolase is developing is a supplement taken in gel or liquid form, utilizing technology originally used for lactose intolerance treatments. While existing hangover remedies work by aiding alcohol metabolism in the liver, Alcolase's approach is to act directly in the stomach-before alcohol is absorbed into the bloodstream-to break down acetaldehyde. CEO Precht explained, "The core technology is stabilizing the enzyme so that it remains stable and active inside the stomach."

Mikkel Precht, co-founder and CEO, is looking through a microscope to check the experimental results. Alcoholase homepage

Alcolase plans to launch its product first in South Korea. CEO Precht was inspired by Korea during his university days. He was surprised to see so many hangover remedies displayed in Korean convenience stores. In fact, Korea is one of the most developed markets for hangover relief products. According to Nielsen Korea, the domestic hangover relief market is expected to reach approximately 350 billion won in 2024, a 10% increase from the previous year.

To launch the product, Alcolase has secured a 1 million dollar investment through grants from the Danish and Korean governments as well as private investors. CEO Precht stated, "In East Asia alone, 540 million people suffer from alcohol intolerance due to enzyme deficiency. We plan to use Korea as a base to expand into other East Asian markets."