EPPE is a GLP-1 obesity medicine independently developed by Hanmi Pharmaceutical. It supports weight management by regulating hunger and feelings of fullness. We explain its effects, price and key points in comparison with Mounjaro and Wegovy.
What kind of obesity medicine is EPPE?
EPPE contains efpeglenatide, and its official product name is EPPE Autoinjector Injection (에페오토인젝터주). It is the first new GLP-1 obesity medicine independently developed by a Korean pharmaceutical company. It received product approval from the Korean drug regulator on 2026-10-07.
GLP-1 is a hormone released after meals that helps regulate appetite and feelings of fullness. EPPE mimics its action. It slows the movement of food out of the stomach and helps regulate appetite to support weight management.
Eligibility depends on BMI and related health conditions
EPPE is used in people aged 19 or older without diabetes who meet the following criteria. BMI, or body mass index, indicates body weight in relation to height.
- People with obesity whose BMI before use is at least 30 kg/m²
- People with overweight whose BMI before use is at least 27 but below 30 kg/m² and who have at least one weight-related condition
Weight-related conditions include high blood pressure, abnormal blood lipid levels, sleep apnea and cardiovascular disease. This medicine is used for weight management based on health status, rather than simply to lose a few kilograms.
Obesity in Korea
In the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency's provisional 2025 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey results, obesity prevalence among people aged 19 or older was 39.5 percent. Prevalence means the proportion of people who meet the criteria for obesity. Among men, it was 49.1 percent, or about one in two.
Obesity prevalence among men was 59.0 percent in their 30s, 53.3 percent in their 40s and 54.0 percent in their 50s. The survey defined obesity as a BMI of at least 25 kg/m². The statistical definition of obesity and the prescribing criteria for EPPE should be considered separately.
Weight loss observed in clinical research
Interim results at 40 weeks in Korean participants
A phase 3 trial included 448 Korean participants with obesity or overweight who did not have diabetes. They received EPPE or a placebo injection without an active drug ingredient. Both groups also followed dietary management and exercise.
In Hanmi Pharmaceutical's interim results at 40 weeks, the EPPE group had an average weight reduction of 9.75 percent. The proportions of participants whose weight fell by at least the specified amounts were as follows.
| Amount of weight loss | Proportion of the EPPE group |
|---|---|
| At least 5 percent weight loss | 79.42 percent |
| At least 10 percent weight loss | 49.46 percent |
| At least 15 percent weight loss | 19.86 percent |
The same interim announcement also reported weight reductions of approximately 30 percent in individual participants.
The current product information presents an analysis of data from 446 participants. It gives an average weight reduction of 9.02 percent in the EPPE group and reports that 75.05 percent lost at least 5 percent of their weight. Read the interim announcement and product information figures as results reported by their respective sources.
What to consider when comparing effects
A major Wegovy study reported an average weight reduction of 14.9 percent after 68 weeks. A trial of Mounjaro's active ingredient reported an average reduction of 20.9 percent with 15 mg over 72 weeks. EPPE's interim results cover 40 weeks, so the study durations differ.
The average starting BMI in the EPPE study was about 32 kg/m². Participants' body size, study conditions and treatment duration differ across trials. Weight-loss percentages or BMI differences alone cannot establish a ranking of the three medicines.
EPPE's dose is increased through five stages: 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 mg. This is called dose escalation. Starting with a low dose helps reduce discomfort such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
Why do price and Korean production matter?
Distinguish estimated prices from actual costs
Weight management also involves considering costs throughout treatment. Hanmi has said it is pursuing a reasonable pricing structure to reduce the financial burden of the starting dose.
The official product information and approval announcement checked on 2026-10-12 did not provide specific selling prices by dose. Actual costs should be checked with the prescribing provider for the dose used.
The official product information lists EPPE as not covered by Korea's National Health Insurance. Check the costs of both the starting phase and the maintenance phase.
Produced in Korea from active ingredient to finished product
EPPE is produced from its active ingredient through to the finished product at Hanmi's Pyeongtaek Bio Plant. This Korean manufacturing base is a feature of its supply plan. Check the availability of the required dose with the prescribing provider.
EPPE, Wegovy and Mounjaro compared
Doses and administration
All three medicines are injected once a week. EPPE and Wegovy mimic the action of the GLP-1 hormone. Mounjaro mimics both GLP-1 and GIP. GIP is also released after meals and is involved in blood glucose regulation.
| Category | EPPE | Wegovy | Mounjaro |
|---|---|---|---|
| Active ingredient | efpeglenatide | semaglutide | tirzepatide |
| Starting dose | 2 mg | 0.25 mg | 2.5 mg |
| Dose escalation | 2→4→6→8→10 mg | 0.25→0.5→1→1.7→2.4 mg | Start at 2.5 mg Increase to 5 mg after 4 weeks Further adjustments of 2.5 mg if needed |
| Escalation intervals and duration | Escalation over 12 weeks using intervals of 2 and 4 weeks | Escalation over 16 weeks at intervals of 4 weeks | Further increases at intervals of at least 4 weeks |
| Maintenance dose | 10 mg | 2.4 mg | Maintenance possible from 5 mg Adjust up to a maximum of 15 mg if needed |
For Mounjaro, 15 mg is the maximum dose. This does not mean everyone must increase to 15 mg. Because the active ingredients differ, the number of milligrams alone does not indicate comparative effectiveness.
What to check when comparing prices
To compare EPPE with imported medicines in Korea, use the same treatment period and dose as the basis. A supply for 4 once-weekly injections covers 4 weeks.
- The cost of a 4-week supply at the starting and maintenance doses
- Whether consultation or test fees are included in the medicine price
- Whether the required dose is actually available
Key points before use
Common discomfort and gradual dose escalation
EPPE may cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation or indigestion. The injection site may become red, painful or itchy. Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea were reported more often during dose escalation than during maintenance.
If discomfort continues, the next increase may be delayed or the dose may be adjusted to the previous level. Do not change the prescribed dose yourself. Tell the prescribing provider about your symptoms and confirm how to adjust treatment.
When not to use it and conditions to report first
- Medullary thyroid cancer and MEN2: Do not use EPPE if you or a family member has had medullary thyroid cancer, or if you have multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN2). MEN2 is the name of a specific genetic condition.
- Allergy: Do not use EPPE if you are allergic to the medicine or any of its ingredients.
- Pancreatitis and gallbladder conditions: Report any history of pancreatitis, gallstones or gallbladder inflammation before use. Your current condition must be assessed when deciding whether to use it.
- Dehydration and kidney function: Persistent vomiting or diarrhea can cause dehydration and worsen kidney function. Seek prompt care if you cannot drink enough fluids or your urine output decreases.
- Low blood glucose: Hypoglycemia, or blood glucose becoming too low, also needs attention. Always report use of glucose-lowering medicines or other weight-management medicines.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Do not use EPPE during pregnancy or breastfeeding. If you plan a pregnancy, stop at least 9 weeks beforehand and continue effective contraception for at least 9 weeks after the last injection.
Stop the medicine and seek immediate care if you have persistent severe abdominal pain, difficulty breathing or allergic symptoms such as facial swelling. Also report any medicines you are taking in advance.
The product information advises monitoring changes in mood or behavior, including depression and suicidal thoughts or actions. It advises against use in people who have attempted suicide or have had suicidal thoughts with intent to act. Report any changes in mood or behavior immediately.
Frequently asked questions
Q. Can anyone be prescribed EPPE?
You must be aged 19 or older, have no diabetes and meet the approved criteria. Eligible people have a BMI of at least 30 before treatment, or a BMI of at least 27 but below 30 with at least one weight-related condition. Use follows an assessment of health status and a prescription.
Q. How much weight loss was observed with EPPE?
Hanmi's 40-week interim announcement reported an average reduction of 9.75 percent. The current product information gives an average reduction of 9.02 percent. These figures should be distinguished as results from different published sources.
Q. Is EPPE less effective than Wegovy or Mounjaro?
Weight-loss percentages from separate studies alone cannot establish which medicine is better. Study duration and participant characteristics differ. The choice of medicine should reflect weight-management goals and health status.
Q. How much does EPPE cost?
The official sources checked did not provide a specific selling price. Check the cost of a 4-week supply at the dose used, together with any costs beyond the medicine itself.
Q. What side effects can occur?
Digestive symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and constipation are common. If discomfort persists, report it before increasing the dose. A history related to medullary thyroid cancer, MEN2, pregnancy and breastfeeding must also be checked before use.
Summary
- EPPE is a GLP-1 obesity medicine independently developed by a Korean pharmaceutical company, with clinical data from Korean participants.
- The 40-week interim announcement reported average weight loss of 9.75 percent; distinguish this from the 9.02 percent in the product information.
- It has a Korean production base. Check actual prices, stock availability and health status before use.
If you are considering EPPE for obesity or overweight, first check your BMI and related health conditions. Review the medicines you take, your treatment plan and costs through the maintenance phase.
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This post provides general skin information. The effects and side effects of care may vary from person to person. Please contact CELITA Clinic to ask whether care is needed.
