HLB Panagene continued its profitability improvement trend by posting an operating profit in the first half of this year. The company plans to expand its PNA (peptide nucleic acid) business based on its existing molecular diagnostics and materials operations while accelerating development of antibody-oligonucleotide conjugates (AOCs).
HLB Panagene said it recorded $4.55 million in revenue, $350,700 in operating profit and $1.36 million in net profit on a standalone basis in the first half of this year.
The company has remained profitable on an operating basis, following operating profits of $499,700 in 2024 and $490,800 in 2025.
The company cited growing interest in and demand for PNA (peptide nucleic acid) materials amid the expansion of the global nucleic acid therapeutics market as a key factor behind its improved performance. Based on its proprietary PNA technology and production capabilities, the company is securing new contracts and expanding opportunities to collaborate with local companies and research institutions in the United States.
HLB Panagene plans to maintain a stable revenue base through its existing molecular diagnostics and materials businesses while developing PNA materials as a new growth engine.
In particular, the company plans to accelerate development of AOCs using its PNA technology. AOCs are a technology that combines antibodies with oligonucleotides to selectively deliver them to specific tissues or cells. The company plans to expand research and development using its proprietary PNA technology to increase commercialization opportunities.
Jang In-keun, CEO of HLB Panagene, said, “As the global nucleic acid therapeutics market grows, interest in PNA technology and business opportunities are expanding,” adding, “We will strengthen domestic and international sales of PNA materials and identify new business opportunities while accelerating AOC development to deliver more tangible results in the second half.”
Meanwhile, PNA is an organic synthetic artificial material in which the backbone structure of genomic DNA and RNA found in the human body is replaced with peptides. It has high stability because it is not affected by nucleic acid-degrading enzymes in the body.
PNA is attracting attention as a biomaterial needed for drug development because of its potential applications in genetic disease diagnosis and treatment. HLB Panagene holds patents for PNA mass-production technology as well as exclusive supply rights.
