Korean pharmaceutical companies are stepping up their efforts in the global weight-loss market. They are targeting the same space as popular drugs like Wegovy and Mounjaro. These companies aim to develop affordable, innovative treatments with fewer side effects.
Hanmi Pharmaceutical is leading the local race. The company is testing efpeglenatide, a weekly injectable drug. This treatment belongs to the GLP-1 family. Hanmi plans to complete its final study soon and launch the weight-loss product next year.
Efpeglenatide absorbs slowly in the body. This method helps patients tolerate it better and suffer fewer digestive issues. Hanmi also reports that the drug may lower heart and kidney risks by over 35%. Because it will be produced locally, the drug should cost less than imported versions.
Hanmi is also working on next-generation medicines. Two early-stage candidates, HM15275 and HM17321, were shared at a global diabetes conference. HM15275 helps patients lose weight faster than current options. Meanwhile, HM17321 helps people shed fat and gain muscle at the same time.
HK Inno.N is another Korean firm pushing into the weight-loss space. The company is developing Ecnoglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist. It got the license for the drug from a Chinese partner. Local regulators approved clinical trials, and tests in China showed strong weight-loss results. On average, users lost 9–13% of their body weight over 40 weeks. HK Inno.N plans to finish its local trials by 2028.
Other companies are also exploring more convenient delivery methods. Yuhan is developing a once-monthly injection called IVL3021 with Inventage Lab. They are also making a pill version named IVL3027. It uses special technology to release the drug steadily in the body.
Ildong’s research company, Yunobia, is working on an oral medication too. Their candidate helped patients lose nearly 7% of their weight in just four weeks. One patient lost almost 12%.
Daewon Pharmaceutical is trying something different. They developed a patch, DW1022, with local firm Raphas. This patch uses semaglutide, the same ingredient in Wegovy. Trials showed that it works as well as Wegovy and is just as safe. The patch could offer a needle-free option.
Experts believe the weight-loss drug market will grow fast. Morgan Stanley says the industry made $15 billion last year. It could hit $150 billion by 2035. Over a billion people might qualify to use these drugs. But right now, only 3% of eligible Americans are using them—and just 1% in other countries.
Analysts expect usage to grow quickly. This change may follow the same pattern seen with smartphones. As more people learn about these drugs and prices drop, demand could surge. Also, companies are fixing issues in supply, production, and rules.
Korean companies are racing to lead this new wave. They want to become major players in a market that is growing fast.
