by Korea South, 26th May 2025, – Seoul, South Korea — For nearly 30% of East Asians who suffer from alcohol intolerance — often referred to as “Asian flush” — drinking can trigger symptoms ranging from facial redness and nausea to rapid heartbeat and vomiting. Danish biotech startup Alcolase ApS is developing groundbreaking solution: a patented enzyme supplement that can break down alcohol directly in the stomach, potentially transforming how millions experience alcohol.
Founded in Denmark, Alcolase is developing the world’s first orally active enzyme system specifically designed to counteract ALDH2 deficiency — the genetic cause behind alcohol-induced acetaldehyde buildup. This toxic compound not only causes immediate discomfort but is also associated with increased risks of esophageal, laryngeal, and oral cancers when accumulated over time.
“Alcohol intolerance is not just a sensitivity — it’s a genetic inability to detoxify a harmful substance,” said Mikkel Precht, CEO of Alcolase ApS. “And in societies where alcohol consumption is embedded in culture, total abstinence is often not a realistic option.”
Breaking Down Alcohol Where It Starts: The Stomach
Unlike traditional supplements that aim to support liver metabolism, Alcolase’s solution acts before alcohol enters the bloodstream. Delivered in liquid or gel form, the enzyme activates in the stomach to neutralize acetaldehyde at the source. The mechanism is inspired by technologies used in lactose intolerance treatment and relies on a proprietary enzyme stabilization method to retain high activity in gastric conditions.
The system follows a three-step logic:
- The Problem: ALDH2-deficient individuals cannot break down acetaldehyde.
- The Solution: A specialized enzyme helps degrade the toxin directly in the stomach.
- The Result: Improved social and physical well-being.
“Our goal isn’t to promote drinking,” Precht emphasized, “but to improve quality of life for those who face physiological barriers in social and cultural settings.”
East Asia: A 500 Million-Person Opportunity
While Alcolase is aming to commercialize its enzyme system globally, its strategic focus lies in East Asia — home to an estimated 500 million alcohol-intolerant individuals. Countries like South Korea, Japan, and Taiwan, where alcohol plays a central role in social and business culture, present significant unmet needs.
Alcolase is actively exploring entry into the Korean market, where cultural norms around drinking often collide with a high prevalence of ALDH2 deficiency.
“We believe Alcolase can bridge the gap between tradition and health,” said Precht. “Korea is a vital part of our expansion roadmap, and we see strong demand for a solution that’s grounded in science, not just convenience.”
Website: https://www.alcolase.com
Media Contact
Organization: Alcolase ApS
Contact
Person: Mikkel Holstener Precht
Website:
https://www.alcolase.com
Email:
mhp@alcolase.com
Country:Korea South
The post Danish Biotech Firm Alcolase Targets East Asia with Enzyme-Based Solution for Alcohol Intolerance appeared first on
Brand News 24.
It is provided by a third-party content
provider. Brand News 24 makes no
warranties or representations in connection with it.
Disclaimer: The views, suggestions, and opinions expressed here are the sole responsibility of the experts. No journalist was involved in the writing and production of this article.