Hanmi Pharm Licenses HM17321 to Genentech in $2.3 Billion Obesity Drug Deal

3 articles · Updated · PR Newswire · Aug 24

$190 million upfront will go to Hanmi Pharm under an exclusive worldwide licensing pact with Genentech for HM17321, with total potential payments reaching $2.3 billion excluding South Korea.
HM17321 is a UCN2 analog aimed at chronic weight management and related conditions including type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease, using a non-incretin approach designed to cut fat while preserving lean body mass.
Preclinical data showed weight-loss benefits both alone and alongside GLP-1 therapies, a feature Hanmi and Roche say could support combination regimens or fixed-dose products.
Phase 1 testing is already underway after FDA IND clearance in November 2025; Hanmi will finish that study before Genentech takes over development from Phase 2.

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PR Newswire14h ago

Hanmi Pharm Licenses Obesity Therapy HM17321 to Genentech for $2.3 Billion

biopharmaapac.com19h ago

South Korea's Hanmi Pharm Licenses Obesity Drug HM17321 to Genentech in $2.3B Deal

Korea Economic Daily1h ago

Hanmi Pharmaceutical signs record $2.3 bn obesity drug licensing deal with Roche's Genentech - KED Global

13 Sources

Could a $2.3 billion gamble on a new muscle-saving drug finally dethrone the current giants of the weight-loss industry?

Will targeting the CRF2-receptor unlock the secret to shedding fat without sacrificing critical muscle mass?

HM17321 and the $2.3 Billion Hanmi–Genentech Partnership: Ushering in a New Era of Muscle-Preserving Obesity Therapies

Overview

In August 2026, Hanmi Pharm signed a major licensing deal with Genentech to develop and commercialize HM17321, a novel obesity drug that targets the CRFR2 receptor. Unlike traditional GLP-1 therapies that cause significant muscle loss and lead to rapid weight regain, HM17321 preserves and builds muscle by activating the mTOR pathway and stimulating muscle satellite cells, mimicking the effects of resistance exercise. Its peptide-based design allows for easy, cost-effective injections and can be combined with existing incretin drugs, reducing treatment burden and preventing muscle loss in combination therapies. After Hanmi completes Phase 1 trials, Genentech will lead global development and commercialization.

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