#South Korea #Seoul #Hanmi #Sanfer #efpeglenatide

Hanmi Pharmaceutical Partners with Sanfer

In a strategic move to bolster its presence in international markets, Hanmi Pharmaceutical has entered into an exclusive agreement with Laboratorios Sanfer, a notable player in the Mexican pharmaceutical sector. This partnership focuses on the distribution of efpeglenatide, Korea's pioneering GLP-1 medication designed for obesity treatment and other metabolic disorders. With Mexico grappling with some of the highest obesity rates worldwide—36.86% of its population—and significant diabetes challenges at 16.4%, this partnership aims to meet an urgent healthcare need.

Details of the Agreement

According to announcements from Hanmi, the agreement will see the company supplying both efpeglenatide and their flagship diabetes treatment line, Dapalon, which includes Dapalon tablet and Dapalon Duo SR tablet. Sanfer, established in 1941 and recognized as Mexico's largest privately-owned pharmaceutical company, will handle regulatory approvals, marketing, distribution, and sales operations within the region.

This partnership not only aligns with ongoing healthcare initiatives in Mexico but also enhances the confidence in the global scalability of Hanmi's products. The obesity crisis necessitates that effective treatment options such as efpeglenatide be accessible, particularly as the local market expands beyond mere weight management to include essential blood glucose control.

Sanfer's Role in the Market

Sanfer has emerged as a distinguished name in the Latin American pharmaceutical landscape, capitalizing on its expansive distribution network that encompasses over 20 countries across the region, including the United States. The company also recently solidified its status in the biopharmaceutical sector by acquiring Probiomed, thereby enriching its portfolio.

Ricardo Amtmann, the CEO of Sanfer, emphasizes the importance of this collaboration, stating, "Our vision is to enhance patient lives through innovative and quality products. Given that healthcare expenses consume 34.6% of household spending in Mexico, it is imperative to improve access to these advanced treatments. Hanmi's efpeglenatide and diabetes portfolio are crucial in addressing these needs." He further noted that the partnership aims to tackle the pressing issues surrounding obesity and diabetes in the region.

Hanmi's Commitment to Innovation

Jae-hyun Park, CEO of Hanmi Pharmaceutical, views this agreement as a significant milestone reaffirming Hanmi’s capabilities in drug formulation and research & development on a global scale. He acknowledges the critical efforts from the Mexican government to standardize healthcare services and strengthen chronic disease management, positioning Hanmi’s treatments as vital contributions to public health.

Future Prospects

As Hanmi progresses with the regulatory application for efpeglenatide to the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, it anticipates various clinical developments in the near future. The company completed its application in December 2025 and also initiated a Phase 3 clinical trial exploring the combination therapy involving SGLT-2 inhibitors and metformin, which received approval shortly thereafter in January 2026. Looking ahead, Hanmi aims to broaden efpeglenatide's indications beyond obesity treatment to include diabetes management, with expected approval for obesity in the second half of 2026 and an additional indication for diabetes slated for 2028.

This partnership illustrates the growing need for innovative healthcare solutions in Mexico and aims to address the urgent public health challenges posed by obesity and diabetes, cementing Hanmi’s role as a key player in the global pharmaceutical industry.