Hanmi launches Eppe, Korea's first homegrown GLP-1 obesity drug

Hanmi Pharmaceutical has brought to market Eppe, Korea's inaugural homegrown GLP-1 obesity medication, after Vice Chair Lim Ju-hyun redirected the former diabetes candidate efpeglenatide following Sanofi's return of rights in 2020. The launch follows the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety's approval and positions Eppe at about 130,000 won for a four-week supply, roughly half the cost of competing drugs like Mounjaro. Lim highlighted the drug's slow-absorption technology, potential lower gastrointestinal side effects, and added cardiovascular and renal benefits as differentiators.

The move is part of Hanmi's broader obesity strategy, including the H.O.P. initiative and a recent $2.3 billion licensing deal for HM17321 with Genentech, a Roche subsidiary. The company aims to leverage the lower price and Korean clinical data to capture market share from established players.