[Health Column] Hanmi Pharmaceutical's EFE, 130,000 won for the first month? Check out the effects and side effects.

hello, Director Jeon Ji-hyun of Gangnam FM Clinic no see.

I heard that EFE costs about 130,000 won for the first month; is that the actual prescription cost?
I felt unwell after getting hit by the wigobi. Would it be okay if I switched to épée?

Interest in the new obesity treatment is rising following news of Hanmi Pharmaceutical's EFE's approval and pricing. While the expansion of treatment options is welcome, It is necessary to distinguish between the supply price and the actual patient burden, and to accurately understand the clinical results. There is.

Today, we will look at the mechanism of action, weight loss effects, side effects, and cost that those considering EFE are curious about.

💡 When examining Hanmi Pharmaceutical EFE A supply price of 'approximately 130,000 won for the first month' and clinical figures of 'average 9.75%' Rather than accepting it as is, you should first check what the number is based on.

🩺 What kind of obesity treatment is Hanmi Pharmaceutical's EFE?

Ephe is GLP-1 receptor agonist containing epeglenatide Hanmi Pharmaceutical announced that it received marketing approval from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety on October 7, 2026. This signifies that the range of drug treatment options has expanded with the introduction of a domestically developed GLP-1 class obesity treatment.

Semaglutide, an ingredient in Wigobi, also acts on GLP-1 receptors. On the other hand, Maunzaro acts on both GLP-1 and GIP receptors. Although they share common pathways of action, their ingredients and dosage systems differ, therefore, You must not replace them with the same capacity or use them interchangeably.

🩺 Would it be a better fit if the clinical trial were conducted on Koreans?

Hanmi Pharmaceutical's EFE Domestic Phase 3 clinical trial involving 448 obese Korean patients We obtained data through [this]. It is significant in that evidence of efficacy and safety has been established that can be referenced when treating domestic patients.

However, the fact that the study was conducted on Koreans does not mean that it is more effective or has fewer side effects for all Koreans. Even with the same body weight, comorbidities, medications, dietary habits, and gastrointestinal symptoms vary. Determining whether to prescribe based on the individual's health condition while referring to domestic clinical results You must do it.

🩺 Average 9.75% weight loss, can it be compared to Wigobi and Maunzaro?

Of the Phase 3 clinical trials disclosed by Hanmi Pharmaceutical The average weight loss rate at the 40-week interim results was 9.75% This was the average value observed in the study, and it does not mean that everyone loses weight at the same rate when using it.

It is difficult to rank the effectiveness by directly comparing these numbers with other clinical results from Wigovina and Maunzaro. This is because the treatment period, participant characteristics, dosage, and analysis methods differ from study to study. You should not conclude that EFE is less effective than other drugs based solely on the 40-week results, nor should you expect that it will necessarily become similar if used for a longer period.

It is not appropriate to choose medication solely because the target weight loss is 5 to 6 kg. Based on current weight and comorbidities First, check whether drug treatment is necessary and whether the patient is eligible for an approved prescription. You must do it.

🩺 If I experienced stomach discomfort with my previous medication, would Epe be okay?

Hanmi Pharmaceutical announced that good tolerability regarding gastrointestinal adverse events such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea was confirmed in the clinical trial of EFE. However, to determine that it definitely has fewer side effects than other drugs, the design of the comparative study and specific data must be examined together.

It is meaningful to have a new option for those who found it difficult to continue taking existing treatments due to discomfort. However, there is no guarantee that the same symptoms will not occur if you switch to Epero. Review changes after checking the previous medication dosage, the time of symptom onset, food intake, and fluid intake status. You must do it.

At Gangnam FM Clinic, we adjust treatment plans by assessing whether the patient can maintain a diet along with weight loss and the extent to which discomfort affects daily life. If weight is lost but eating and fluid intake remain difficult, the current treatment needs to be re-evaluated.

🩺 Hanmi Pharmaceutical EFE price, about 130,000 won for the first month?

According to a report on October 14, 2026, EFE's The supply price for the first 4 weeks' supply is 129,800 won. It is known that... This is based on using 2mg and 4mg twice each. Based on the reported supply price, using 6mg four times costs 228,800 won, 8mg costs 277,200 won, and 10mg costs 299,200 won.

EFE is a prescription drug not covered by health insurance, The actual amount borne by the patient may vary depending on the medical institution's treatment and prescription environment. You must determine whether the treatment is sustainable by considering the cost, effectiveness, and discomfort.

💬 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1. If the supply price for the first month is approximately 130,000 won, will I receive a prescription at the hospital for that amount as well?

The supply price differs from the actual amount borne by the patient. Since costs may vary depending on the treatment and prescription environment, you must check the final amount provided by the medical institution.

Q2. Can I switch immediately after using Wigovina or Maunzaro?

Do not change or overlap the use arbitrarily. You must inform your healthcare provider of the last administration time, dosage used, and remaining symptoms to establish a plan for changes.

Q3. If I experienced nausea with other medications, would it be difficult to use Epedo?

Just because symptoms occurred with a previous medication does not necessarily mean the same reaction will occur with EFE. However, considering the possibility of symptoms recurring, you must first check the severity of previous discomfort and the reason for discontinuing treatment.

🎯 To summarize

Before choosing EFE, please check your treatment goals first.

Hanmi Pharmaceutical's EFE has emerged as a new obesity treatment option amidst interest in clinical evidence regarding the Korean population and price competitiveness. However, it is difficult to determine the right medication based solely on average weight loss rates or the cost of the first month.

During the consultation, please discuss the reason for weight reduction, the goals, and any previous medication experience. While maintaining diet and activity, check the response to treatment, and You must plan for weight management after weight loss to continue treatment in your daily life.

💡 This column provides general medical information and does not replace a personal diagnosis or prescription. Whether to prescribe, dosage, or changes to medication should be decided in consultation with your medical team.

Gangnam FM Clinic

Director Jeon Ji-hyun

Pediatrician
Graduated from Korea University
Graduated from medical school
Completed internship at Inje University Sanggye Paik Hospital
Completed residency at Inje University Sanggye Paik Hospital
Obesity specialist certified by the Korean Society for the Study of Obesity
Current Chief Director of Gangnam FM Clinic