This article discusses the launch of a new GLP-1 drug for obesity treatment in Korea, named “Machun” (likely a transliteration of tirzepatide, marketed as Mounjaro by Eli Lilly). Here’s a breakdown of the key points:
The drug and its Mechanism:
Machun (tirzepatide): A GLP-1 receptor agonist that also acts on GIP receptors.
Benefits:
Improves insulin sensitivity.
Reduces blood sugar by lowering glucagon.
Reduces food intake and weight by delaying stomach emptying.Formulation and Launch:
Domestic Launch Formulation: A pre-filled pen, disposable, requiring approximately 4 pens per month. Initial Consideration: Eli Lilly initially considered a “Fast Pen” formulation but it wasn’t yet approved in Korea.
Clinical Trial Results:
Weight Loss:
72-week trial showed up to 22.5% weight loss, considerably more than placebo.
Direct comparison with Semaglutide (likely wegovy) showed Machun achieved 20.2% weight loss compared to Semaglutide’s 13.7% over 72 weeks. These findings were published in the European Society of Endocrinology and the New england Journal of Medicine.
Diabetes Treatment:
Five phase trials (6278 people) showed significant advancement in HbA1c compared to control and baseline.
Competition in the Korean Market:
Hugo (Semaglutide): Launched in Korea in October, it’s a major competitor.
Hugo’s Performance:
Clinical trials showed 14.9% average weight loss over 68 weeks.
Dominates the Korean obese market with 73% share and 79.4 billion won in Q1 sales. Global Market:
While Hugo was released earlier globally, Eli Lilly’s tirzepatide (Mounjaro) is predicted to become the world’s top prescription drug.
In the US, as of March, Eli Lilly held a 53.3% obesity market share, while novo Nordisk (maker of Wegovy) held 46.1%, despite a later launch.
Pricing and Patient Access:
Current Situation: GLP-1 drugs for obesity are not covered by health insurance, leading to monthly costs of hundreds of thousands of won.
hugo’s Price: Shipment price is around 370,000 won per pen, with actual selling prices ranging from 400,000 to 500,000 won per month.
Machun’s Pricing Strategy: Eli Lilly Korea aims to offer the starting dose (2.5mg) at a lower price than competitors and the maintenance doses (5mg and above) at a competitive price to ensure patient access.
Future Plans and Domestic Progress:
Distribution: Machun will be distributed through 40-50 pharmaceutical distributors.
Marketing: Eli Lilly is increasing marketing and sales personnel.
Other Formulations: “Quick Pen” and Vial formulations are awaiting approval from the ministry of Food and Drug Safety and will be supplied if approved.
Domestic Companies: Korean pharmaceutical companies are also developing obesity treatments, with Hanmi Pharm planning to launch “Epeglena Tide” in the second half of next year.
In essence, the article announces the arrival of a highly effective new obesity drug in Korea, highlighting its strong clinical data, its competitive positioning against existing treatments like Wegovy, and Eli Lilly’s strategy to make it accessible to patients.
