Hanmi Pharmaceutical’s Epe Prescriptions Begin: Epeglenatide Price, Clinical Results, Side Effects, and Prescription Schedule

Epe, a domestically developed obesity treatment, has begun to be prescribed. Epe (active ingredient: epeglenatide), developed by Hanmi Pharmaceutical, received product approval from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety on October 7, 2026, and has been prescribed at some medical institutions since October 29.

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The domestic GLP-1 obesity-treatment market has so far been led by imported medicines such as Wegovy and Mounjaro. Epe has attracted attention as an obesity treatment developed and manufactured by a Korean company joins the market.

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What is drawing interest is a supply price of 129,800 won for the first 4 weeks and an average weight reduction of 9.75% reported in a domestic clinical trialHowever, the supply price is not the same as what patients pay, and the clinical average does not guarantee an individual’s weight loss.

Epe prescriptions reportedly began on October 29, 2026, but not all hospitals and clinics began prescribing it on the same day.

Initial supply is being provided to some hospitals and clinics first, so the actual availability of prescriptions may vary depending on each medical institution’s delivery schedule.

To avoid an unnecessary trip, before visiting ask the hospital whether it has stock, can prescribe the medication, and what the patient’s out-of-pocket cost will beand confirm the details.

When considering Epe’s price, distinguish between the supply price and the amount paid by the patient.

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The supply price to medical institutions for the first 4 weeks, quoted by Hanmi Pharmaceutical, includes VAT and is 129,800 wonThis is the price supplied to medical institutions and should not be assumed to be the same as the amount a patient actually pays.

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Price information reported as of October 29, 2026, is as follows.

The supply prices in the table are what medical institutions pay to obtain the medicine, so they are not the same as the costs borne by patients. The amounts listed after week 5 are also supply prices. The final amount charged to patients should be confirmed separately.

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Epe is reported to be a non-reimbursed obesity treatment, so the actual amount spent may vary depending on the medical institution’s medication and consultation fees, prescription details, and dosageand other factors.

Therefore, it is difficult to determine the full cost of treatment based only on the price for the first 4 weeks. Monthly costs may vary depending on subsequent dosage or prescription details, so it is advisable to ask your healthcare provider about expected costs and the plan for each treatment period before starting.

Epeglenatide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist. Medicines in this class may help maintain a feeling of fullness and reduce food intake by acting on appetite regulation and slowing gastric emptying.

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In domestic phase 3 clinical data announced by Hanmi Pharmaceutical, the average weight reduction in the Epe group was reported as 9.75% in an interim analysis at 40 weeks.

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A total of 448 participants were included in the clinical trial. The safety analysis population during the 40-week placebo-controlled period consisted of 301 participants in the Epe group and 147 in the placebo groupThe total number of trial participants and the size of the group that received Epe should be considered separately; not all 448 participants received Epe.

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The 9.75% figure is the group average observed in the trial. Individual results may vary, and this figure alone cannot predict or guarantee how much a specific person will lose.

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Comparisons of efficacy with Wegovy or Mounjaro should also be made cautiously. Trial participants, treatment duration and dosage, and analysis methods may differ, making it difficult to determine which treatment is superior simply by comparing weight-loss rates from different trials.

Epe is not an ordinary diet supplement but a prescription medicine used under a doctor’s supervision and management.

Potential adverse reactions to watch for with GLP-1 treatments include gastrointestinal symptoms such as:

• Nausea and vomiting: These may occur particularly at the start of treatment or when increasing the dose.

• Diarrhea and abdominal discomfort: If gastrointestinal symptoms occur, monitor their severity and duration and consult a healthcare provider.

• Risk of dehydration: Persistent vomiting or diarrhea can lead to dehydration.

If concerning symptoms such as severe abdominal pain or persistent vomiting occur, seek medical attention.

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The official MFDS prescribing information lists patients with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), patients with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN2), and patients with hypersensitivity to Epe or its ingredients as contraindicated for treatment.

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The approved patient population is adults without diabetes with a BMI of 30 or higher, or a BMI of 27 or higher but below 30 with a weight-related comorbidity. Whether a prescription is appropriate for you should be determined based on the latest approved prescribing information and a healthcare provider’s assessment.

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During your consultation, it is important to tell your healthcare provider whether you are pregnant or breastfeeding, about any history of pancreatic or gallbladder disease, and about medicines you are taking. Follow the latest product prescribing information and prescription guidance regarding contraindications, administration, and dose escalation.

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Epe is a treatment that supports weight management alongside dietary changes and exercise . Additional evidence on long-term weight-maintenance effects and safety should also be considered.

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Epe’s launch is significant because it expands the obesity treatments available domestically and raises expectations of price competition. However, actual prescription availability and total cost, expected effects, and treatment plans vary depending on an individual’s health. Decide whether to begin only after discussing it thoroughly with a healthcare provider.

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