Novo Nordisk has officially launched its weight-loss drug Wegovy in China, with initial prescriptions expected to be issued in Shanghai this week. The launch comes nearly five months after the drug's approval in the country. This strategic move aims to address the increasing rates of obesity in China, while also navigating the complexities of the Chinese healthcare system.
The pricing for Wegovy in China is notably lower than in the United States. According to Yicai and online listings, a one-month supply of the 0.25 mg starter dose will cost 1,400 yuan ($193.31). This contrasts sharply with the $1,349 list price in the U.S. While the price is lower than in the U.S., Chinese buyers will largely have to pay out of their own pockets, as Wegovy is not reimbursable under China’s national health insurance program, which covers 95% of the country’s 1.4 billion people. Authorities have ruled out coverage for weight-loss treatments.
Christine Zhou, Novo Nordisk’s global senior vice president and president for China, indicated that the company is exploring options to improve affordability, including commercial insurance. Wegovy is also available for pre-orders on several e-commerce platforms, where patients can register for clinical visits to assess their eligibility for treatment and prescriptions.
Market Context and Competition
China's obesity rates are on the rise, with a 2023 study estimating approximately 85 million adults are affected by the condition. This growing prevalence creates a substantial market opportunity for weight-loss medications. Novo Nordisk's primary competitor, Eli Lilly & Co., has also received approval for its weight-loss drug in China. Several domestic biotech companies are also developing competing candidates, intensifying the competition in this space.
Supply Considerations
Novo Nordisk has indicated that it will limit the initial launch of Wegovy in China to prevent global supply disruptions. Both Wegovy and Ozempic, which share the same active ingredient, semaglutide, have experienced soaring global sales, leading to shortages due to overwhelming demand. Ozempic, approved in China in 2021 for type 2 diabetes, is included on the state insurance reimbursement list. Wegovy brought in $2.5 billion for Novo Nordisk in the third quarter, exceeding analyst expectations.
