As the global obesity treatment market experiences rapid growth, South Korean pharmaceutical and biotech companies are stepping up their efforts to compete. Targeting the glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) class of treatments currently dominated by Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly, firms such as Yuhan, Hanmi Pharmaceutical, Daewoong Pharmaceutical, HK inno.N, MetaVia, DND PharmaTech Inc., and Inventage Lab are unveiling innovative pipelines to establish their presence in this burgeoning market.
These companies are not merely following in the footsteps of industry giants. Instead, they’re carving out niches by developing unique mechanisms, formulations, and target patient groups. Yuhan, for instance, developed a dual-action drug combining GLP-1 and fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21), though Boehringer Ingelheim later returned the rights. The company is currently conducting preclinical studies in the U.S. and Europe.
Industry sources reported that Hanmi Pharmaceutical has renewed its focus on epeglanatide, a major drug project. Despite a previous setback in technology transfer, the company has persevered with global Phase 3 clinical trials. Hanmi’s potential applications extend beyond weight loss and blood sugar control to include cardiovascular and kidney diseases, positioning it as one of South Korea’s most technologically advanced firms in this field.
Daewoong Pharmaceutical is accelerating the development of a dual-action drug targeting both GLP-1 and gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP). While clinical results are yet to be released, the company is strategizing to address both obesity and metabolic syndrome based on its patent applications and mechanism development.
HK inno.N has secured approval for domestic Phase 3 trials of ecnoglutide, developed in partnership with a Chinese firm. Chinese Phase 2 and 3 trials showed superior weight loss effects compared to Saxenda.
MetaVia, a Dong-A ST subsidiary, is gaining attention with its DA-1726, which demonstrated a weight loss effect of up to 6.3% in just four weeks. The company’s strategy leverages the dual-action mechanism of GLP-1 and glucagon, potentially benefiting patients intolerant to semaglutide.
D&D Pharmatech Inc. is pioneering an oral GLP-1/GCG dual-action drug. Using their proprietary ORALINK platform to enhance formulation convenience, they’ve already entered U.S. clinical trials and completed some global technology transfers.
Inventage Lab is developing a long-acting injectable formulation designed to extend dosing intervals to monthly or longer. Their approach focuses on enhancing patient convenience and adherence by controlling the precise release of drugs.
These South Korean companies are quietly but steadily making progress with their diverse approaches. At the recent Bio USA event in Boston, the company showcased an array of obesity treatment technologies, demonstrating its alignment with industry trends.
An industry insider noted that while many companies in South Korea aim for early technology transfers, securing contracts requires significant clinical progress and robust study designs. The source added that global partners set high data standards, which many South Korean firms are increasingly meeting or exceeding.
Another expert emphasized that GLP-1 class drugs are evaluated not only on efficacy but also on formulation convenience and safety. They noted that merely replicating mechanisms is insufficient to ensure competitiveness, underscoring the crucial importance of sophisticated clinical design and reliable data.
However, caution is advised against excessive optimism. While companies developing obesity treatments are attracting significant interest, some are viewed skeptically due to their reliance on potential technology transfers. Several firms have experienced volatile stock prices based on preliminary discussions with global pharmaceutical companies. Given the uncertainties surrounding contract signings and timelines, experts warn against undue speculation in this rapidly evolving market.