Hanmi Pharmaceutical is expediting the launch of its obesity drug, Efeglenatide, aiming for commercial availability in the second half of 2026, moving ahead of the previously scheduled first half of 2027. This strategic decision is part of Hanmi's broader initiative to tackle the growing global obesity crisis.
Efeglenatide: A Novel GLP-1 Agonist
Efeglenatide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist specifically designed as a weight loss treatment for individuals who are overweight or have stage 1 obesity. A key differentiator of Efeglenatide is its formulation, which allows for slow release in the body. This is intended to improve gastrointestinal tolerability, a common issue with other GLP-1-based obesity treatments. Furthermore, preclinical data suggests that Efeglenatide may offer superior cardiovascular and renal protective benefits compared to other drugs in its class.
Holistic Obesity Program (HOP) and HM15275
The accelerated launch of Efeglenatide is a component of Hanmi Pharmaceutical's Holistic Obesity Program (HOP), which aims to provide comprehensive and customized treatments for obesity management. The second key asset in this program is HM15275, a triple-action obesity treatment. Early data suggests HM15275 could achieve over 25% weight loss, a figure comparable to the results seen with bariatric surgery, while also minimizing muscle loss. Currently, HM15275 is in Phase 1 clinical trials in the United States, with Phase 2 trials anticipated to begin in the second half of 2025.
Expanding Treatment Options
Beyond Efeglenatide and HM15275, Hanmi Pharmaceutical is actively developing more patient-friendly formulations, including low-molecular oral drugs, micro-needle patches, and inhalable powders. These efforts reflect the company's commitment to addressing the multifaceted challenges of the global obesity epidemic, which contributes to a range of serious health complications, including cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and certain cancers.
"Based on a clear philosophy and deep expertise in new drug development, we plan to focus more on the unique fields that only Hanmi can excel in and achieve," stated Park Jae-hyun, CEO of Hanmi Pharmaceutical. "We will quickly realize our vision of leading the domestic pharmaceutical and bio industry and advancing to a pharmaceutical powerhouse with our creative power and innovative R&D capabilities."
