Hanmi Pharmaceutical disclosed the results of a Phase 1 clinical trial for a triple-action obesity treatment. After 4 weeks of administration, a maximum weight loss effect of 10.64% was confirmed.
Hanmi Pharmaceutical noted on the 22nd that it participated in the 'American Diabetes Association (ADA 2025)' held in Chicago, USA, from the 20th to the 23rd, and revealed the Phase 1 results of the triple-action obesity treatment 'HM15275.'
The triple-action agent activates not only glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), such as Wegovy and Maunjaro, but also stimulates the secretion of insulin-stimulating peptide (GIP) and glucagon (GCG) simultaneously. It is expected to have a greater weight loss effect and fewer side effects compared to existing obesity treatments.
GLP-1 promotes the secretion of insulin hormones that lower blood sugar and suppresses glucagon, which raises blood sugar, enhancing satiety. It reduces hunger, leading to weight loss. GIP enhances the benefits of GLP-1 receptor agonists while reducing side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Glucagon is also involved in satiety regulation along with energy consumption and lipid metabolism control.
Hanmi Pharmaceutical completed Phase 1 clinical trials of 'HM15275' last May. This is the first time the Phase 1 results have been disclosed externally. The Phase 1 trial was conducted on 74 healthy adults and obese adults, evaluating safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics after subcutaneous injection of HM15275 once a week for 4 weeks.
In the highest dose group of the 4-week repeated administration of Phase 1 (0.5-2-4-8 mg), an average weight reduction of 4.81% was observed compared to the placebo after just 4 doses on day 29. Notably, participants showing the greatest weight loss demonstrated a 10.64% reduction on day 43.
Lee Moon-hee, GM of the clinical team at Hanmi Pharmaceutical, said, 'The safety, which is the most important goal of the Phase 1 trial for HM15275, has been verified, and based on the good results that meet expectations, we have secured data on starting doses and dose escalation methods for Phase 2.' He added, 'Based on the safety confirmed in the 4-week administration, we plan to initiate long-term Phase 2 trials, including higher doses over 8 mg, within the year.'
Hanmi Pharmaceutical also disclosed two other non-clinical research results for HM15275 at the conference. The research showed that it had superior weight loss efficacy compared to existing obesity treatments, semaglutide (brand name Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Maunjaro), in obesity animal models. When switching to HM15275 while already on tirzepatide, additional weight loss was observed.
Hanmi Pharmaceutical stated, 'In the transcriptome analysis study conducted on obesity animal models, it was confirmed that HM15275 promotes fat breakdown while inhibiting the breakdown of amino acids, which are muscle constituents, and activates glucose-based energy metabolism, leading to effective blood sugar control.'
Hanmi Pharmaceutical also announced three non-clinical research results regarding another drug candidate, HM17321. HM17321 is a Urocortin 2 (UCN 2) analogue that selectively targets corticotropin-releasing factor 2 (CRF2) receptors rather than incretin receptors like GLP-1. It is considered an innovative drug that selectively reduces fat while increasing muscle mass. Wegovy and Maunjaro had issues with losing muscle along with fat.
HM17321 has been confirmed to improve body composition while achieving weight loss in rodent obesity models and non-human primate models (monkeys). Other studies indicated that HM17321 not only increases muscle mass but also shows promise for development as a 'Type 2 diabetes (T2D) treatment' by improving insulin resistance and controlling blood sugar.
Choi In-young, head of the R&D center, said, 'Hanmi's research capabilities and development know-how in the field of obesity metabolism are evaluated to be at a level that exceeds the best in Korea and is already comparable to global big pharma in terms of technology.' He added, 'Amid the rapid restructuring of the global pharmaceutical market centered on obesity treatments, we will further solidify our position as a global front runner.'