Hanmi Pharmaceutical said on the 16th that it unveiled an obesity drug candidate that helps increase muscle at the American Diabetes Association (ADA). It is being developed to overcome the limitations of existing obesity drugs, which can cause up to 40% muscle loss during weight reduction.
Hanmi Pharmaceutical recently showcased its obesity drug candidate HM500197 at the American Diabetes Association meeting held in New Orleans. Existing drugs that mimic the glucagon-like peptide (GLP)-1 hormone suppress appetite but in some cases led to muscle loss and weight rebound.
Hanmi Pharmaceutical's obesity drug candidate inhibits myostatin, which interferes with muscle growth. In obese mice, the drug increased lean mass (nonfat body tissue) and skeletal muscle mass. The company said that when used in combination with GLP-1 class drugs, it can curb muscle loss and enable healthy weight reduction.
Hanmi Pharmaceutical disclosed eight studies on obesity drug candidates, including this one. Choi In-young, head of future growth at Hanmi Pharmaceutical (executive vice president), said, "A muscle-increasing obesity drug will be a game changer that reshapes the market."