Hanmi Pharma to move up launch of anti-obesity drug

South Korea’s Hanmi Pharmaceutical Co. announced on Thursday the launch of its anti-obesity drug candidate efpeglenatide has been rescheduled to the second half of 2026, earlier than originally planned.

The company has outlined a mid-to-long-term strategy to grow the product into a blockbuster drug with annual domestic sales 100 billion won ($71.5 million).

Efpeglenatide, which has completed patient recruitment for Phase 3 clinical trials, is being developed as a treatment for overweight individuals and those with stage 1 obesity.

Hanmi Pharmaceutical stated that the drug is expected to offer weight-loss effects comparable to Wegovy, a leading GLP-1 obesity treatment while providing superior cardiovascular and kidney protection compared to other GLP-1-based therapies.

Utilizing Hanmi Pharmaceutical's Lapscovery platform technology, efpeglenatide employs a slow absorption mechanism, allowing the drug to be gradually released in the body, thereby reducing gastrointestinal side effects commonly associated with GLP-1 medications.

The company is also developing a "first-in-Korea digital combination drug" that integrates efpeglenatide with a digital therapeutic component.

This innovation is designed to provide personalized obesity management solutions, including dietary and exercise plans tailored to individual patient goals.

Write to Young-Ae Lee at 0ae@hankyung.com