Hanmi

Hanmi Reveals Promising Preclinical Results for Obesity Drug

Hanmi Pharmaceutical announced on Sept. 23 that its obesity drug candidate HM17321 demonstrated efficacy in muscle increase and fat reduction in preclinical studies. Another obesity treatment candidate HM15275 also showed that the glucagon component within the substance directly contributed to increased energy metabolism.

The company reported that it presented six preclinical research results on three obesity treatment candidates, including HM17321, at the 61st European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD 2025) held in Vienna, Austria from Sept. 15-19.

Jeon Hae-min, head of the Clinical Implementation Team at Hanmi Pharmaceutical R&D Center, presented in an oral session, revealing the molecular biological mechanism of muscle increase through muscle proteome research in animal models administered with HM17321, and demonstrating blood glucose control effects through metabolic adaptation. Research data also showed that HM17321 induces muscle growth through the activation of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway and glycolysis-dependent metabolic adaptation.

In another preclinical study of HM17321 conducted on primate models, the company reported that long-term administration in primates reproduced selective body fat weight reduction while preserving lean body mass. Additionally, improvements in blood glucose control ability, reduction in blood triglycerides providing metabolic benefits, as well as cardiovascular benefits through lowered blood pressure were observed.

For HM15275, it was proven that the glucagon action directly contributes to increased energy metabolism by promoting the browning of adipose tissue. Furthermore, in a study using glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor deficient animals, HM15275 demonstrated superior weight loss efficacy and blood glucose improvement effects compared to existing obesity treatments.

Choi In-young, head of Hanmi Pharmaceutical R&D Center, emphasized, “Based on our differentiated and comprehensive innovative pipeline, we will establish a ‘new milestone in obesity treatment’ in the global healthcare market.”