With the global obese population projected to reach 2 billion in 10 years, the obesity treatment market is also rapidly growing. The global market is expected to nearly double from $19 billion (26 trillion won) in 2023 to $37.4 billion (52 trillion won) by 2028.
Domestic pharmaceutical corporations are also accelerating the development of obesity treatments. Dong-A ST is currently conducting global clinical trials for the obesity treatment candidate 'DA-1726' through its subsidiary Metabia, aiming for U.S. sales approval by 2030.
DA-1726 works by simultaneously stimulating glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptors that reduce appetite and glucagon (GCG) receptors that increase energy expenditure. This allows for reduced food intake and greater consumption to achieve weight loss.
In previous animal experiments, it demonstrated a greater weight loss effect despite higher food intake compared to Denmark's Novo Nordisk's obesity treatment Wegovy (active ingredient semaglutide). The company noted that similar weight loss effects were confirmed compared to Eli Lilly’s Mounjaro (tirzepatide).
In a global Phase 1 clinical trial, patients receiving DA-1726 showed an average weight loss effect of 6.3% within 4 weeks, and waist circumference decreased by up to 10 cm. Side effects were limited to mild nausea or constipation, with most recovering in a short period. No patients discontinued treatment. The company also noted that it can be used stably without complicated dosage adjustments, unlike existing GLP-1 class drugs.
DA-1726 is currently administered once a week. Dong-A ST is developing DA-1726 as a long-acting injection that will be administered once a month. To achieve this, they partnered with the bio corporation ImmunoForge to incorporate technology that extends the drug's efficacy. This technology can extend the half-life, the time it takes for the drug to reduce by half in the body, up to 200 times.