Popular Weight-Loss Drug Wegovy Goes on Sale in China
Danish pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk has introduced its weight-loss drug Wegovy in China, following its approval by local health authorities in June. The launch places Novo Nordisk in direct competition with Eli Lilly, whose weight-loss drug was also approved but has not yet entered the Chinese market.
With over 180 million people living with obesity in China, Wegovy’s entry comes at a critical time. The drug, which contains the active ingredient semaglutide, is designed to help patients lose weight by reducing appetite, controlling blood sugar, and inducing a feeling of fullness. Semaglutide is also used in Ozempic, a Novo Nordisk medication for type 2 diabetes.
Wegovy will be sold at 1,400 yuan (£153; $194) for four injections, making it significantly cheaper than the drug’s price in the United States, where a month’s supply costs $1,349. However, the treatment is not included in China’s national healthcare insurance system, requiring patients to pay out of pocket.
Novo Nordisk highlighted the drug’s effectiveness in a statement on the Chinese social media platform WeChat, calling it a “safe and effective” option for overweight and obese patients. Clinical research indicates that patients can lose over 10% of their body weight using Wegovy, but side effects such as nausea and vomiting have been reported, and many users regain weight after stopping the treatment.
Since its 2021 debut in the United States, Wegovy has gained global popularity, partly fueled by celebrity endorsements and social media buzz. This demand has positioned Novo Nordisk as Europe’s most valuable company, with a market valuation exceeding $440 billion.
The launch in China intensifies competition with Eli Lilly, as both companies vie for a share of the world’s second-largest pharmaceutical market. With obesity rates and demand for weight-loss solutions on the rise, the entry of Wegovy is expected to drive significant interest, despite the challenges of affordability and accessibility.
