Hanmi Fine Chemical Targets Global Market with High-Tech CDMO Services

"Focusing on Peptide and PEG Conjugation Technologies for Growth"
"In Contract Negotiations with Global Big Pharma... Expecting Positive Results"

Hanmi Fine Chemical, a subsidiary of Hanmi Pharmaceutical Group specializing in active pharmaceutical ingredients, is aiming to enter the global market with a focus on peptide-centered "high-tech contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO)" services.

Sungjun Park, Head of Business Development at Hanmi Fine Chemical, is explaining the company's future growth strategy to reporters at the 2025 BIO International Convention (BIO USA) held in Boston, USA, on the 20th (local time). Photo by Taewon Choi

Sungjun Park, Head of Business Development at Hanmi Fine Chemical, met with reporters at the 2025 BIO International Convention (BIO USA) held in Boston, USA, on the 20th (local time), and stated, "Among the various types of CDMO, we intend to grow by concentrating on high-tech capabilities such as peptide and polyethylene glycol (PEG) conjugation."

Peptides are the main ingredients in recently spotlighted obesity treatments such as Wegovy and Saxenda. Peptides are biological substances composed of two or more linked amino acid monomers, playing multiple roles such as transmitting cellular signals and forming proteins, which are essential components of the skin. Depending on the combination of amino acids, peptides exhibit various effects, and their application as ingredients in obesity treatments has drawn significant attention. According to Hanmi Fine Chemical, the global demand for peptides continues to increase as more companies develop obesity treatments as latecomers in the market.

While Chinese and Indian companies currently lead the simple peptide CDMO market in terms of price competitiveness, Hanmi Fine Chemical believes that technological capabilities, such as peptide-PEG conjugation, can provide a competitive edge. Park explained, "Peptides are the active substances, and PEG serves as a linker. By conjugating them, the active substance can remain in the bloodstream for a longer period." He added, "PEG is hydrophilic, meaning it easily combines with water molecules, and this property helps stabilize the active substance as it circulates in the body."

Park also said, "Our parent company, Hanmi Pharmaceutical, has developed and patented a technology for conjugating peptides and PEG, and we are also researching technology to conjugate peptides and antibodies." He continued, "There is a Japanese company most frequently approached by businesses needing PEG, but since it is not based on pharmaceutical or biotech foundations, it sometimes does not comply with GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) standards. This presents a market opportunity that Hanmi Fine Chemical can pursue."

Already, 22 meaningful meetings have been held at BIO USA alone, and contracts with global big pharma companies are under discussion. Park stated, "We are currently negotiating a major contract with one global big pharma company and expect positive results soon." He added, "The drug in question is currently preparing for phase 3 clinical trials. Although it is not a 'first-in-class' (the world's first drug of its kind), it is believed to be significantly more effective than existing new drugs."