Weight-loss drug Wegovy launched in China, targeting 180 million with obesity

Novo Nordisk has introduced its weight-loss drug Wegovy to the Chinese market following its approval by local health authorities in June.  

This launch is expected to increase competition with Eli Lilly, whose highly regarded weight-loss treatment also received approval earlier this year but has yet to be made available in China, the world's second-largest pharmaceutical market.  

China, with a population of 1.4 billion, is home to over 180 million people living with obesity.  

Chinese business news outlet Yicai reports that a pack of four Wegovy injections will be priced at 1,400 yuan (£153; $194), significantly lower than the drug's cost in the United States.  

According to Yicai, Chinese patients will have to cover the full cost of Wegovy out of pocket, as it is not yet included in the country's national healthcare insurance system.  

Research indicates that Wegovy can help patients lose more than 10% of their body weight.  

In a post on the Chinese app WeChat, Novo Nordisk stated that the drug "will provide a safe and effective weight loss option for overweight and obese patients in China."  

Targeted at people with severe obesity, Wegovy contains semaglutide, an active ingredient that regulates blood sugar, reduces appetite, and promotes a feeling of fullness. This is the same active component found in Ozempic, another Novo Nordisk drug used to manage type 2 diabetes.  

However, some users may experience side effects, including nausea and vomiting, and studies suggest that patients often regain weight after discontinuing the treatment.  

Wegovy became available in the United States in 2021, where a month's supply currently costs $1,349.

The drug’s popularity, driven by social media buzz and endorsements from celebrities like Elon Musk, has led to high demand in pharmacies worldwide.  

In the UK, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency has advised doctors to monitor patients for potential misuse of obesity injections like Wegovy.  

This follows reports of non-obese individuals becoming ill after using the drug for weight loss.  

Wegovy's success has made Novo Nordisk Europe's most valuable company, with a total market valuation exceeding $440 billion.