Efpeglenatide

Also known as: Epe, HM11260C, LAPS-Exendin

Long-acting GLP-1 receptor agonist from Hanmi, approved in South Korea in 2026 as Epe for weight management. Not FDA-approved.

Last updated October 26, 2026

Mechanism of Action

Efpeglenatide is an exendin-4 analog chemically linked through a short PEG linker to a non-glycosylated human IgG4 Fc fragment (Hanmi's LAPSCOVERY platform). The Fc conjugate slows kidney clearance and extends its half-life to allow once-weekly or less frequent dosing. It activates the GLP-1 receptor to increase glucose-dependent insulin secretion, suppress glucagon, slow gastric emptying and reduce appetite.

Half-life: Not well established (supports once-weekly dosing)
Administration Routes: Subcutaneous
Research Status: Clinical

Reported Benefits

Reduced cardiovascular and kidney outcomes in type 2 diabetes (AMPLITUDE-O)
Improved glycemic control in type 2 diabetes (AMPLITUDE program)
Studied for weight management in adults with obesity

Potential Side Effects

Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea
Decreased appetite
Constipation
GLP-1 class concerns (pancreatitis, gallbladder events)

Common Dosing

Not approved in the US; the cardiovascular outcomes trial used 4 or 6 mg subcutaneously once weekly, and the Korean label covers strengths from 2 to 10 mg. Where it is prescribed, dosing is set and supervised by the prescribing clinician.

The dosing information above is aggregated from research literature and anecdotal community reports for educational purposes only. It is not a recommendation, prescription, or medical advice. Peptides are sold as research chemicals only and are not intended for human use.

Contraindications

Investigational in the US: not established
GLP-1 class: personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or MEN 2 is a standard precaution

No documented stacking partners for Efpeglenatide yet.

Cardiovascular and Renal Outcomes with Efpeglenatide in Type 2 Diabetes
2021
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Efficacy and Safety of Once-Weekly Efpeglenatide Monotherapy Versus Placebo in Type 2 Diabetes: The AMPLITUDE-M Randomized Controlled Trial
2022
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Efficacy and safety of once-weekly efpeglenatide in people with suboptimally controlled type 2 diabetes: The AMPLITUDE-D, AMPLITUDE-L and AMPLITUDE-S randomized controlled trials
2023
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No. South Korea's Ministry of Food and Drug Safety approved it in 2026 as Epe for chronic weight management, but it has not been approved by the FDA.

Sanofi licensed it in 2015 and returned the rights in 2020 for business reasons, even though the AMPLITUDE-O trial later showed cardiovascular benefit. Hanmi then developed it for obesity in Korea.