Hanmi Pharm Launches Naming Contest for "Efpeglenatide"
Ahead of Next Year's Release, Open to HMP-Registered Physicians Until July 16
Hanmi Pharm is holding a naming contest for its GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) obesity new drug, efpeglenatide, which is the first such drug to be developed entirely with independent technology by a domestic pharmaceutical company.
On July 2, Hanmi Pharm announced that it will conduct a naming contest to determine the product name for its GLP-1 obesity new drug, "efpeglenatide," which is scheduled to be launched in the second half of next year. The contest will run until July 16 and is open to all physician customers nationwide who are registered on the company's medical professional portal, HMP (Health & Medical Platform). Any licensed physician in Korea can participate in the naming contest after registering on the HMP website. While there were some suggestions to expand the contest to the general public, the company explained that the target was limited to medical professionals, considering that the product is a prescription drug that requires medical diagnosis.
Efpeglenatide is a long-acting GLP-1 receptor agonist developed using Hanmi Pharm’s innovative platform technology, LAPSCOVERYTM. In phase 3 clinical trials involving patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM), the drug demonstrated excellent blood glucose control and weight loss effects. It is also expected to provide the most outstanding cardiovascular protection among GLP-1 class therapies.
This contest was planned under the slogan "A lighter path forward, powered by innovation," with the goal of finding a brand name that reflects both the identity and mass appeal of Korea’s first GLP-1 obesity treatment.
Entries will be evaluated based on suitability, originality, and popularity. The most suitable naming proposal, as determined by an internal review, will be awarded a prize.
Park Jaehyun, CEO of Hanmi Pharm, stated, "I hope this contest will not only solidify the identity of a representative obesity treatment for Korea, but also serve as a springboard for entering the global market. Just as brand names like Palpal and Tenten have become widely recognized by the public, I look forward to seeing many creative ideas from the physicians registered on HMP."
Efpeglenatide is currently undergoing phase 3 clinical trials for obesity indications in Korea, with the trials progressing smoothly. The company aims to complete the trials within this year and launch the product in the second half of next year. Upon launch, it is expected to become the first domestically developed GLP-1 class obesity treatment in Korea.
This drug utilizes a "Slow Absorption" method, in which the medication is gradually released in the body. This approach improves upon the gastrointestinal side effects associated with existing GLP-1 class drugs, and significantly enhances patient convenience and tolerability. Additionally, as it is produced at the Pyeongtaek Bio Plant, it can be supplied stably and economically even amid global shortages.
Choi Inyoung, Head of Hanmi Pharm’s R&D Center, commented, "Efpeglenatide is an innovative obesity treatment that not only promotes weight loss but also offers excellent cardiovascular and renal protection. It carries symbolic significance as the first GLP-1 obesity new drug to be developed entirely with independent technology by a domestic pharmaceutical company. I hope this contest will be a meaningful journey that gives identity to the first new drug of the H.O.P project."
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