Hanmi Pharmaceutical has finalized the name for its next-generation obesity drug. On October 23, the company announced that the international nonproprietary name (INN) for its triple-action obesity drug candidate, HM15275, has been registered as 'zantrutide' with the World Health Organization (WHO). The WHO manages international nonproprietary names to standardize drug ingredient names and prevent confusion. According to the company, the name zantrutide combines the prefix 'zan,' symbolizing best and balance, 'tru,' meaning triple, and 'tide,' referring to peptides.
Zantrutide is a next-generation triple-action drug that simultaneously targets three receptors: GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1), GIP (gastric inhibitory polypeptide), and glucagon, which are involved in appetite regulation. Hanmi Pharmaceutical aims to demonstrate a weight loss effect of over 25%, a result previously achievable only through gastric bypass surgery, while also minimizing muscle loss during development.
Currently, zantrutide is undergoing Phase 2 clinical trials in the United States for patients with obesity and diabetes. The Phase 2 trial for obesity patients is expected to conclude in the first half of next year.
Choi In-young, Vice President and Head of Future Growth at Hanmi Pharmaceutical, stated, "Hanmi's promising research and development asset has secured a globally recognized name. The official registration of zantrutide's international nonproprietary name is significant in enhancing its future value and recognition as a global new drug asset."
Meanwhile, Hanmi's obesity treatment 'Epe' (active ingredient epeglanatide) will begin prescriptions at select medical institutions starting on the 29th. This comes just 22 days after receiving approval from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety on October 7. Epe is the first domestically produced GLP-1 obesity treatment and the 45th domestic new drug.
According to Hanmi Pharmaceutical, Epe has shown an average weight loss effect of around 10% after 40 weeks of self-administration once a week. The supply price for the first month's dosage is approximately 130,000 won, which is lower than Eli Lilly's 'Mounjaro' at around 270,000 won for the lowest dosage over four weeks and Novo Nordisk's 'Wegovy' priced in the low 200,000 won range.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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