South Korea is well known for its semiconductor industry, but another sector is rising rapidly: biopharmaceuticals.
In particular, Incheon has become the world’s largest producer of biopharmaceuticals,
with an annual production capacity of 1.16 million liters—twice that of Massachusetts, USA (650,000 liters), the world’s second-largest producer.
However, the biggest trend in the biopharmaceutical industry today is obesity treatment drugs.
While obesity was once seen as a simple lifestyle issue, it is now considered a treatable medical condition,
and GLP-1 (Glucagon-like Peptide-1) based obesity treatments have become a global sensation.
This article explores South Korea’s growing dominance in biopharmaceutical production,
and the science, impact, and controversy surrounding obesity drugs worldwide.
1. South Korea: The World’s Largest Biopharmaceutical Producer
Looking at global biopharmaceutical production:
- #1: South Korea (1.16 million liters)
- #2: Massachusetts, USA (650,000 liters)
South Korea has already become a global leader in biopharmaceuticals,
with the industry emerging as a crucial pillar of the country’s economy, much like semiconductors.
One of the most promising areas in this field is obesity treatment drugs.
These drugs are not just for weight loss; they also help treat type 2 diabetes, prevent cardiovascular diseases, and improve overall metabolic health,
increasing their medical significance and market value.
2. The ‘Miracle Drug’ Taking Over the World: GLP-1-Based Obesity Treatments
Among obesity treatments, the most revolutionary are GLP-1 receptor agonists.
GLP-1 is a hormone responsible for regulating blood sugar,
and obesity drugs work by enhancing the effects of GLP-1 to suppress appetite and promote weight loss.
Some of the most popular GLP-1 drugs include:
- Wegovy (Semaglutide)
- Ozempic (Semaglutide, used for diabetes but also effective for weight loss)
- Mounjaro (Tirzepatide)
These medications are highly effective at reducing appetite,
making them a revolutionary solution for obesity.
How Do GLP-1 Obesity Drugs Work?
- When we eat, blood sugar levels rise.
- In response, the gut releases GLP-1, which signals the brain to stop eating.
- Obesity drugs amplify this GLP-1 signal, making people feel full much faster.
As a result:
- People eat less naturally
- Significant weight loss occurs over time
3. Seoul National University Discovers a New Mechanism of GLP-1 Action
Recently, researchers at Seoul National University (SNU) made a groundbreaking discovery,
proving that GLP-1 obesity drugs do more than just control blood sugar—they also suppress appetite by altering brain activity.
Professor Choi Hyung-jin’s research team at SNU found that GLP-1 drugs don’t just work after eating;
they actually make people feel full just by looking at food.
This is because GLP-1 activates specific neurons in the brain’s dorsomedial hypothalamus (DMH),
which reduces the brain’s hunger response even before eating begins.
Their findings, published in the prestigious journal Science,
have been recognized as a breakthrough in understanding obesity treatments.
4. The Side Effects and Controversy Surrounding Obesity Drugs
Despite being hailed as a “miracle drug,” GLP-1 treatments have also sparked concerns over side effects.
1) Unexplained Vision Problems
A study from the University of Utah found that some patients using GLP-1 drugs developed sudden vision impairments.
Reported symptoms include:
- Blurry vision and difficulty focusing
- Increased eye fatigue and decreased concentration
The exact cause remains unknown, and further research is underway.
2) Fainting and Neurological Side Effects
Some patients have also reported:
- Sudden fainting after receiving GLP-1 injections
- Unclear long-term effects on brain function
Given past pharmaceutical controversies, such as OxyContin (a painkiller that led to a widespread addiction crisis),
many experts argue that a cautious approach is necessary when using these drugs.
5. What’s Next for Obesity Treatments?
While GLP-1 drugs are effective, they come with challenges:
- Expensive costs
- Concerns over long-term safety
However, new research on gut microbiota (intestinal bacteria) is opening doors for safer and more sustainable obesity treatments.
For example, a Chinese research team recently discovered that a specific gut bacterium,
Roseburia Intestinalis, can naturally increase GLP-1 production.
If these findings lead to further innovations,
we could see drug-free, naturally regulated GLP-1 obesity treatments in the future.
Conclusion: Can South Korea Lead the Global Obesity Drug Market?
With the obesity drug market expected to exceed $100 billion by 2026,
major pharmaceutical companies are preparing to release the next generation of treatments.
South Korea’s biopharmaceutical leadership and cutting-edge research put it in a strong position
to dominate this market and drive new advancements in obesity treatment.
If Korea’s biotechnology sector continues its current trajectory,
it may soon become as globally influential as its semiconductor industry.
