Ole Schwander
Novo Nordisk (NVO) reportedly expects its standard weight-loss drug Wegovy to be authorised in China this yr, however plans to launch the product within the large Asian market with capped volumes.
Talking at an buyers assembly in Copenhagen, Christine Zhou Xiaping, head of Novo Nordisk’s China division, advised listeners that the launch will focus first on sufferers paying out-of-pocket for the drug, in accordance with Reuters.
Wegovy, also referred to as semaglutide, belongs to a category of medicine generally known as GLP-1s, that are used to deal with weight problems and diabetes. Novo Nordisk markets a model of semaglutide for diabetes below the model title Ozempic.
Xiaping added that a number of drugmakers have filed to conduct scientific trials for generic variations of GLP-1 medicine, however none are anticipated to be authorised earlier than 2028, Reuters stated.
Wegovy’s patent in China is predicted to run out in 2026, Reuters added.
Novo Nordisk’s most important competitor within the GLP-1 drug area has been Eli Lilly (NYSE:LLY), which markets the diabetes drug Mounjaro and weight reduction drug Zepbound.
Different corporations with GLP-1 medicine in growth embody AstraZeneca (AZN), Amgen (AMGN), Pfizer (PFE), Viking Therapeutics (VKTX), Tern Prescription drugs (TERN) and Construction Therapeutics (GPCR).
