Hanmi Pharm Unveils Novel Obesity Drug HM17321
Compound Shows Promise in Increasing Muscle Mass Alongside Fat Loss
Hanmi Pharmaceutical has presented groundbreaking clinical translation results for its novel obesity candidate, HM17321, a UCN2 analog. This potential new drug targets fat reduction while simultaneously promoting muscle growth and enhancing muscle function, diverging from traditional weight-loss approaches.
Promising Results at International Conference
At the Intelligent Systems for Molecular Biology (ISMB)/ECCB 2025 held in Liverpool, UK, researchers from Hanmi Pharmaceutical shared data on HM17321. The presentation highlighted the drug’s muscle-building capabilities and its positive impact on muscle strength.
AI-Driven Development and Machine Learning Analysis
The company utilized advanced machine learning techniques to analyze extensive omics data from animal studies and human biological samples. This data-driven approach helped predict HM17321’s efficacy, reinforcing findings observed in preclinical trials.
A New Paradigm in Metabolic Health
HM17321 operates as a selective agonist for the Corticotropin-Releasing Factor 2 (CRF2) receptor, distinguishing it from incretin-based obesity treatments. Developed using AI and sophisticated structural modeling, this subcutaneous injectable is designed to reduce fat mass without compromising muscle. This approach aims for a holistic improvement in metabolic health, going beyond mere weight reduction.
Predicting Clinical Success
Hanmi Pharmaceutical’s Clinical Brokerage Team employs multi-omics data, including genomic, transcriptomic, and proteomic information, combined with machine learning. This strategy aims to accurately predict patient responses and potential side effects for their drug candidates.
Comparative proteomics revealed that HM17321 significantly alters protein profiles in a manner consistent with reduced fat and increased muscle mass, mirroring the characteristics of individuals with higher muscle mass and lower body fat.
“The process of moving from non-clinical to clinical trials is the most uncertain in the entire new drug development process. This study is expected to contribute to the efficiency of new drug development by providing a useful tool to resolve this uncertainty.”
—Jeon Hae-min, Head of the Clinical Implementation Team, R&D Center
This research suggests a potential for improved prediction of HM17321’s effectiveness in humans, informed by animal study outcomes. The insights gained are expected to refine clinical development strategies and boost R&D efficiency, offering a clearer path for future trials.
“It is a meaningful achievement that scientifically confirmed the possibility of the HM17321’s pharmacological effect, which is about to enter the first phase of clinical trials. It will suggest a new paradigm of ‘quality loss’ that encompasses muscle function and metropolitan health beyond simple weight loss.”
—Choi In-young, Director of R&D Center
Hanmi Pharmaceutical is planning to initiate Phase III clinical trials for HM17321 in the latter half of this year. The drug’s unique ability to simultaneously promote muscle gain and fat loss positions it as a potentially transformative treatment for obesity and related metabolic conditions.
