The first domestically developed glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) obesity treatment has been approved. With the entry of this new drug into the South Korean market, which is currently dominated by Novo Nordisk's 'Wegovy' and Eli Lilly's 'Mounjaro', competition is expected to intensify.
According to industry sources on October 8, the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety granted approval for Hanmi Pharmaceutical's GLP-1 obesity treatment, 'Epeo Injector' (active ingredient: epeglanatide), the previous day.
'Epe' is the 45th new drug developed in South Korea and the first domestic GLP-1 obesity treatment. The approved dosages are 2 mg, 4 mg, 6 mg, 8 mg, and 10 mg.
'Epe' is an injectable medication used as an adjunct to a low-calorie diet and exercise for chronic weight management in adults with obesity or overweight who do not have diabetes. It works by acting on GLP-1 receptors located in the central nervous system and gastrointestinal tract, suppressing appetite and delaying gastric emptying to prolong feelings of fullness.
The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety approved 'Epe' following the guidelines established last year for the approval and review process of new drug applications.
With the launch of 'Epe', competition in the domestic GLP-1 obesity treatment market, currently shared by Wegovy and Mounjaro, is expected to increase. Industry analysts suggest that securing price competitiveness will be crucial for 'Epe' to establish itself in the market. Hanmi Pharmaceutical plans to produce 'Epe' at its bioplant in Pyeongtaek and supply it at a reasonable price.
Meanwhile, 'Epe' is the flagship pipeline of Hanmi Pharmaceutical's obesity drug project, 'H.O.P'. The company is reportedly aiming to launch 'Epe' within this year.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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