Hanmi Pharmaceuticals presented the results of studies on its long-acting diabetes/obesity drugs at the American Diabetes Association (ADA)’s 76th Scientific Sessions, held on June 10-14 in New Orleans.
The results of additional studies on Hanmi’s three Lapscovery-based biologics --Efpeglenatide, LAPSInsulin115 and LAPSGLP/GCG (HM12525A)) --were presented.
Efpeglenatide, one of Hanmi's "Quatum Project" (which refers to three new long-acting diabetes drugs using the company's Lapscovery platform), is a new GLP-1 analogue being developed as a once-monthly therapy. In November 2015, Hanmi struck an out-licensing deal with global drugmaker Sanofi to develop and commercialize the Quatum Project.
Animal experiments showed that Efpeglenatide was effective in weight loss and blood sugar control. Efpeglenatide also proved its worth in suppressing the desensitization of insulin-producing pancreatic beta-cells, as well as preserving pancreatic beta-cells.
Hanmi also reported the results of two additional studies on the lowest possible effective dose of “LAPSInsulin115,” a long-acting, once-weekly basal insulin included in the Quatum Project.
Sanofi plans to embark on Phase III clinical trials of Efpeglenatide in the fourth quarter of this year and gradually carry out clinical trials of the other two of the "Quatum Project, LAPSInsulin115 and LAPSInsulinCombo.
