China Approves Novo Nordisk's Wegovy for Weight Loss

Novo Nordisk’s weight-loss medication Wegovy (semaglutide) has gained approval in China, making its way into the world's second-largest economy. This development marks another milestone for the GLP-1 receptor agonist. The drug, also branded as Ozempic, was previously approved in China in 2021 specifically for diabetes patients.

As detailed in a press release on Novo Nordisk’s Chinese website, the National Medical Products Administration has recently given the green light for Wegovy to be used as a weekly injectable treatment for individuals with a body mass index (BMI) of 30kg/m2 or more, who also have at least one weight-related health condition.

Prior to Wegovy’s official approval, Novo Nordisk stated earlier this year that their initial strategy would focus on patients who are willing to pay out-of-pocket for the treatment. To meet the anticipated demand, the company has also been working on boosting its production capabilities in the region. In March, Novo Nordisk announced plans to expand a manufacturing facility in Tianjin, China, with an operational target set for 2027.

However, Novo Nordisk is expected to encounter stiff competition in the Chinese market for its semaglutide-based products much sooner than in other regions. This is primarily due to the patent on the active ingredient, semaglutide, expiring in 2026. There's already a significant level of interest in developing generic versions, with approximately 15 such alternatives currently in the pipeline within China.