🔥 Trending New Oral Diabetes Drug 'HuaLian Pian' Approved in Hong Kong

HuaLian Pian, also known by its international non-proprietary name Dorzagliatin, is a novel oral anti-diabetic medication developed by Hua Medicine. It is the world's first glucokinase activator (GKA) approved for the treatment of Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) ².

Mechanism of Action

Unlike many existing diabetes treatments, Dorzagliatin works by targeting the glucose homeostasis process ¹⁴. Specifically, it enhances glucose sensitivity in diabetic patients, helping to restore the body's natural ability to regulate blood sugar levels ⁴. Glucokinase is an enzyme that acts as a glucose sensor in the body, particularly in the pancreas and liver. By activating glucokinase, Dorzagliatin helps these organs respond more effectively to glucose fluctuations, promoting insulin secretion when blood sugar is high and reducing glucose production when it's low. This unique mechanism aims to address the underlying dysfunction in glucose metabolism in T2D patients, rather than just managing symptoms ¹⁵.

Approvals and Availability

Dorzagliatin has received several key approvals in the Greater China region:

• China: It was launched in China in 2022 ¹.
• Hong Kong: The Department of Health of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China accepted a New Drug Application (NDA) for Dorzagliatin, leading to its marketing approval in Hong Kong SAR, China, on March 4, 2026 ²³. This approval was facilitated by Hong Kong's "1+" new drug approval mechanism, which initially targets severe or rare diseases ⁴.
• Macau: On June 30, 2026, the Macau Drug Regulatory Authority also approved Dorzagliatin (Brand name in Macau: MYHOMSIS, Hua Ling Pian) for listing for the treatment of adult Type 2 Diabetes ⁶.

Potential and Future Directions

Hua Medicine is actively exploring the broader potential of Dorzagliatin. This includes investigating its use in pre-diabetes intervention and early treatment of T2D, aiming for a more disease-modifying therapeutic approach ³. The drug was born in the Zhangjiang area of Shanghai, highlighting its origin from local research and development efforts ⁴.

Comparison with Other New Diabetes Treatments

While Dorzagliatin focuses on restoring glucose homeostasis through glucokinase activation, other novel oral diabetes drugs are also emerging with different mechanisms:

• GLP-1 Medications: A new oral GLP-1 (Glucagon-Like Peptide-1) medication has shown significant improvements in blood sugar control and weight loss in clinical trials (results reported in June 2026) ⁷. These drugs typically work by mimicking natural hormones that regulate appetite and insulin release.
• Fat-Burning Drugs: Researchers have developed a new oral drug that boosts metabolic activity in muscle, rather than altering appetite like GLP-1 drugs. Early trials (reported in December 2025) suggest it improves blood sugar control and fat reduction while protecting muscle mass ⁸.

Dorzagliatin, with its unique GKA mechanism, represents a distinct and promising approach in the evolving landscape of Type 2 Diabetes treatment.