The domestically produced obesity treatment drug Eppe is set to cost around 120,000 KRW (about 86 USD) for the first month of treatment. The initial 4-week regimen comes in at 129,800 KRW (about 97 USD), approximately 53% less than its competitor, Mounjaro. However, these figures are based on distribution prices, and actual patient costs may vary by healthcare provider, factoring in consultation fees and other expenses.
Industry sources revealed on the 3rd that Hanmi Pharmaceutical’s Eppe pen is priced as follows per dosage: 24,200 KRW (about 18 USD) for 2mg, 40,000 KRW (about 30 USD) for 4mg, 57,200 KRW (about 43 USD) for 6mg, 69,300 KRW (about 52 USD) for 8mg, and 74,800 KRW (about 56 USD) for 10mg.
Eppe is administered via weekly injection. For the initial 4-week schedule – two weeks at 2mg followed by two weeks at 4mg – the total cost amounts to 129,800 KRW (about 97 USD). This breaks down to 48,400 KRW (about 36 USD) for two 2mg pens and 81,400 KRW (about 61 USD) for two 4mg pens.
Compared to existing treatments, Eppe’s introductory month is about 53% cheaper than Mounjaro and 37% less than Wegovy. Eppe strategically positions itself with lower initial costs to differentiate from other obesity medications.
As dosage increases, so does the price. The 4-week cost for higher doses of Eppe is calculated at 228,800 KRW (about 172 USD) for 6mg, 277,200 KRW (about 208 USD) for 8mg, and 299,200 KRW (about 224 USD) for 10mg. At the 10mg maintenance dose, the price gap narrows to roughly 19% less than Mounjaro and 17% below Wegovy.
Eppe, containing Eppeglutide, belongs to the GLP-1 class of obesity treatments. It received approval from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety in South Korea on October 7 and became available by prescription at select clinics from October 29. The product is being rolled out nationwide in stages.
GLP-1 is a hormone released post-meal that regulates appetite and blood sugar. Eppe targets this hormone’s receptors and employs Hanmi’s proprietary long-acting Lapscovery technology. The entire production process, from raw materials to finished product, takes place at their Pyeongtaek biotech facility.
With Eppe joining Novo’s Wegovy and Eli Lilly’s Mounjaro, competition in the U.S. obesity treatment market is heating up. As these medications aren’t covered by insurance, leaving patients to foot the entire bill, price becomes a crucial factor in treatment selection, alongside efficacy and tolerability.
Lower initial costs can ease the financial burden for patients starting treatment. However, for long-term use, the maintenance dose cost becomes the dominant factor in overall expenses. Eppe’s pricing structure, with different costs for the initial period and subsequent doses, means total treatment costs will fluctuate based on prescribed dosage and duration.
Actual retail prices will be set by individual healthcare providers. The figures mentioned here don’t include consultation fees, and patient costs may vary depending on each provider’s pricing policies. As Eppe’s availability expands, how these price differences translate to out-of-pocket expenses for patients will be a key determinant of its market competitiveness.