Hanmi Pharmaceutical Co. has announced an accelerated timeline for the launch of its anti-obesity drug candidate, efpeglenatide, now slated for the second half of 2026, moving up from its originally planned schedule. This strategic shift aims to capitalize on the growing demand for effective obesity treatments and establish efpeglenatide as a key player in the market. The company envisions efpeglenatide becoming a blockbuster drug, targeting annual domestic sales of ₩100 billion ($71.5 million).
Clinical Development and Potential Benefits
Efpeglenatide is currently undergoing Phase 3 clinical trials, focusing on overweight individuals and those with stage 1 obesity. Hanmi Pharmaceutical reports that efpeglenatide is expected to provide weight-loss effects comparable to Wegovy, a leading GLP-1 obesity treatment. Furthermore, the company anticipates that efpeglenatide will offer superior cardiovascular and kidney protection compared to other GLP-1-based therapies, addressing a critical need for obesity treatments with enhanced safety profiles.
Innovative Drug Delivery and Combination Therapy
Utilizing Hanmi Pharmaceutical's proprietary Lapscovery platform technology, efpeglenatide features a slow absorption mechanism. This allows for a gradual release of the drug in the body, which may reduce the incidence of gastrointestinal side effects commonly associated with GLP-1 medications. In addition to the standalone drug, Hanmi is also developing a "first-in-Korea digital combination drug" that integrates efpeglenatide with a digital therapeutic component. This innovative approach aims to provide personalized obesity management solutions, including tailored dietary and exercise plans, to optimize patient outcomes.
