Doctor Heo Yang-im reveals participation in Hanmi Pharmaceutical obesity drug trials

Family medicine specialist Heo Yang-im disclosed on the 23rd that she participated in clinical trials for efpeglenatide, a GLP-1 class obesity treatment candidate from Hanmi Pharmaceutical expected to be released at the end of this month.

Heo Yang-im, a family medicine specialist who has recently drawn public attention following her divorce from SECHSKIES' Ko Ji-yong, revealed that she personally participated in clinical trials for a new drug candidate entering the domestic obesity treatment market. As global leaders Wegovy and Mounjaro dominate the obesity treatment market, Heo emphasized the significance of a drug that was once in the research stage now emerging as a new option in actual clinical practice.

On the 23rd, Heo disclosed via her personal account that she participated in clinical trials for efpeglenatide, also known as "efe," a obesity treatment candidate developed by Hanmi Pharmaceutical. "While serving as a professor at CHA Bundang Medical Center, I participated in the clinical trials for efpeglenatide (efe)," she said, adding, "Based on clinical research results regarding meaningful weight loss effects and metabolic health, the product is finally being released."

Efe is a GLP-1 class obesity treatment candidate expected to be released at the end of this month. With Wegovy and Mounjaro established as representative obesity treatments in both domestic and international markets, interest is focused on the competitiveness this domestic new drug will demonstrate. However, market performance may vary depending on several factors, including actual therapeutic effects, safety, price, and supply conditions following its release.

Heo emphasized that the perspective on obesity treatment must expand from weight loss itself to overall health. "Now, obesity treatment is more about 'how healthily one loses weight' rather than just 'how much weight is lost'," she stated. She added, "As a doctor who participated in the clinical trials, it is even more meaningful to see a drug that was in the research stage lead to a new option for actual treatment."

Obesity treatments are gaining attention not only for weight loss but also for metabolic health and long-term health management. However, because efficacy, side effects, target users, and administration methods can differ by drug, it is difficult to conclude that a specific treatment is superior to existing ones. It is important to select a treatment suitable for the individual based on clinical research results, approved usage ranges, and medical professional judgment.

Heo's remarks are drawing attention as they stem from the experience of a medical professional who directly participated in the drug development process. She highlighted the significance of the process where a drug whose potential was confirmed during the research stage becomes a treatment that actual patients can choose. However, the disclosure of her participation in clinical trials does not mean she is personally guaranteeing the efficacy or safety of the drug.

Heo has been a subject of public interest due to her personal family history alongside her medical career. She married Ko Ji-yong of the group SECHSKIES in 2013 and had a son, Seung-jae, the following year. The two have recently come back into the spotlight as their divorce became known.

It is reported that the two are currently engaged in a legal dispute regarding child support and visitation rights for their son. As conflicts regarding their family relationship continue, Heo is drawing interest for her professional activities in the medical field by sharing her experiences regarding obesity treatment and new drug development.

Read the original (Korean)