Weight-loss drug Wegovy launches in China market
Novo Nordisk has officially introduced its highly awaited weight-loss drug, Wegovy, to the Chinese market following its approval by local health authorities in June. The move marks a significant step for the pharmaceutical giant as it enters one of the world’s largest healthcare markets, intensifying competition with rival Eli Lilly, whose weight-loss treatment has also been approved but is yet to be available for sale in the country.
With over 180 million people living with obesity in China, the need for effective weight-loss treatments is significant. Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy, recently launched in China, offers a solution with research showing it can help patients lose over 10% of their body weight. Priced at 1,400 yuan (£153; $194) for four injections, Wegovy is considerably cheaper in China compared to the United States, where a month’s supply costs $1,349. However, Chinese patients must pay out of pocket, as the treatment is not yet included in the national healthcare insurance system.
Wegovy is targeted at individuals who are severely overweight. Its active ingredient, semaglutide, works by regulating blood sugar, suppressing appetite, and creating a sense of fullness, making it highly effective in aiding weight loss. Semaglutide is also used in Novo Nordisk’s diabetes medication Ozempic. Despite its benefits, the treatment comes with potential side effects, including nausea and vomiting, and studies indicate that many patients regain weight after stopping the medication.
As obesity rates rise, Wegovy represents a promising option for patients in China, though its out-of-pocket costs and potential side effects remain key considerations for widespread adoption in the market.
On Chinese social media, Novo Nordisk highlighted Wegovy’s potential to provide a “safe and effective weight loss option” for overweight and obese patients in China. The launch is expected to further boost Novo Nordisk’s global dominance in the weight-loss drug market, a position that has already made it Europe’s most valuable company with a market value exceeding $440 billion.
The global success of Wegovy has been significantly driven by a combination of celebrity endorsements and the power of social media. High-profile figures such as Elon Musk have reportedly used the drug, sparking widespread interest and elevating its visibility among the general public. This kind of attention has positioned Wegovy not just as a medical treatment but also as a trending lifestyle solution for weight management. Since its launch in the U.S. in 2021, the demand for Wegovy has skyrocketed, making it one of the most sought-after weight-loss treatments globally. The immense popularity has even led to supply shortages, with pharmacies in various regions struggling to keep up with the demand.
However, the rapid surge in Wegovy’s use has also highlighted certain challenges. In the UK, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency has raised concerns about the potential misuse of obesity medications like Wegovy. Doctors have been advised to remain vigilant, particularly as reports emerge of non-obese individuals using the drug solely for weight loss purposes. Such misuse has, in some cases, resulted in adverse effects, including nausea and other complications.
The launch in China not only signals a new chapter for Novo Nordisk but also highlights the growing focus on combating obesity in the country.