Novo Nordisk’s drug approval for obesity in China

China has approved Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy for treating severe obesity or obesity coupled with at least one weight-related comorbidity. Novo Nordisk, which predicted approval by 2024, plans a limited rollout in China, a potential second-largest market after the USA. In 2022, its diabetes drug Ozempic earned DKK 4.8 billion in China. Wegovy and Ozempic, both based on the glucose-lowering substance semaglutide, differ in use. Novo’s Wegovy patent extends till 2026, and it prepares to face upcoming GLP-1-based drugs competition expected by 2028. Senior analyst Søren Løntoft Hansen of Sydbank sees tremendous potential as China’s current 200 million obese population could reach half a billion by 2045, though initial supply constraints may limit Wegovy’s launch.