[Edaily Reporter NA EUN-KYUNG ] HanmiPharm(128940)has secured the internationally recognized official generic name “zantrutide” for its next-generation obesity treatment candidate “HM15275,” currently in development. While the drug is currently undergoing Phase 2 clinical trials in the U.S. for obesity and Type 2 diabetes, the company is accelerating development with the goal of completing the obesity clinical trial in the first half of next year.

HanmiPharm announced on the 23rd that the World Health Organization (WHO) has officially registered “zantrutide” as the International Nonproprietary Name (INN) for HM15275.

An International Nonproprietary Name (INN) is a standard designation assigned by the WHO to identify pharmaceutical ingredients. It serves as a common name distinct from product names that vary by country, enabling researchers, healthcare professionals, and regulatory agencies to consistently refer to the same ingredient. However, INN listing does not imply approval regarding the drug’s safety or efficacy.

Zantrutide is the second pipeline in HanmiPharm’s new obesity drug development project, “H.O.P. (Hanmi Obesity Pipeline).” It is a follow-up candidate to “Epe” (active ingredient: efeglenatide), a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) class obesity treatment that recently received domestic marketing authorization.

While Epe is a drug that acts on the GLP-1 receptor, Xantrutide is a triple-action agent that simultaneously activates the receptors for three hormones: GLP-1, glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP), and glucagon (GCG).

GLP-1 suppresses appetite and aids in blood glucose control. GIP is involved in insulin secretion and metabolic regulation, while glucagon influences energy expenditure and fat metabolism. HanmiPharm designed Zantruotide to modulate the action on these three receptors, thereby simultaneously inducing appetite suppression and increased energy expenditure.

The company’s stated development goals are weight loss of at least 25% and minimization of muscle loss. Considering that existing obesity treatments may reduce not only fat but also muscle mass during weight loss, the company has focused on changes in body composition as well as the extent of weight loss. However, weight loss of at least 25% and minimization of muscle loss are current development goals, not the final therapeutic effects confirmed in Phase 2 clinical trials. The actual level of weight loss and muscle-preserving effects must be verified through future clinical results.

HanmiPharm is conducting Phase 2 clinical trials of Zantrutide for obesity and Type 2 diabetes in the United States. The Phase 2 obesity trial is expected to conclude in the first half of 2027. Based on the clinical results, the company plans to develop the drug as a treatment for patients with severe obesity.

The newly confirmed name “Zantrutide” reflects the drug characteristics the company aims to achieve. According to HanmiPharm, “zan-” signifies optimal balance, “-tru-” denotes a triple receptor agonist, and “-TIDE” refers to a peptide-based drug.

Choi In-young, Executive Vice President and Head of the Future Growth Division at HanmiPharm, stated, “The official registration of Zantrutide’s international nonproprietary name (INN) is highly significant in that it secures a globally recognized name for HanmiPharm’s promising research and development (R&D) asset and enhances its future value and recognition as a global new drug asset.”