Hanmi Pharmaceutical is accelerating the development of its obesity treatment Efeglenatide, pushing the launch forward to late 2026 from early 2027. The drug targets overweight and mild obesity patients with a slow-release formulation designed to reduce gastrointestinal side effects – a common complaint with current GLP-1 treatments.
The Seoul-based company is expanding its obesity pipeline through its Holistic Obesity Program. A triple-action treatment, HM15275, is undergoing Phase 1 trials in the US, with Phase 2 planned for late 2025. The company claims this drug could achieve 25% weight loss, matching surgical results while preserving muscle mass.
Hanmi is also developing alternative delivery methods including oral drugs, micro-needle patches and inhalable powders. CEO Park Jae-hyun says the company will focus on specialized areas where it can excel.
The move comes as global pharmaceutical giants like Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly dominate the rapidly growing obesity drug market. While Hanmi’s timeline suggests potential advantages in side effect management, it faces significant competition from established players with approved products already generating billions in sales.
