Hanmi Pharmaceutical to launch domestic obesity drug Epe

Hanmi Pharmaceutical is preparing to launch ‘Epe’, a domestically developed GLP-1 class obesity medication, potentially challenging the market dominance of international drugs Wegovy and Mounjaro in South Korea.

Epe recently received approval as South Korea’s 45th new drug from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety. Clinical trials involving 448 Korean patients showed an average weight reduction of 9.75% over 40 weeks, with some participants losing up to 30%. While its weight loss efficacy may be lower than its global competitors, it is noted for potentially lower gastrointestinal side effects due to a stepwise dosage increase method.

A key competitive advantage is expected to be pricing. While Wegovy and Mounjaro currently cost approximately 300,000 KRW for a four-week supply, industry observers suggest Epe could be priced in the 100,000 KRW range to increase patient accessibility. Additionally, Epe is distinguished by its domestic production process, covering everything from raw material manufacturing to finished product assembly.