Novo Nordisk introduces Wegovy in China, offering a new weight-loss solution to millions amid growing competition and market demand.
The drug targets the estimated 180 million people living with obesity in the country. This launch heightens competition with Eli Lilly, whose weight-loss treatment was approved in China earlier this year but has not yet been released.
Wegovy Pricing and Insurance Barriers in China
Novo Nordisk prices Wegovy in China at ¥1,400 (CNY, approximately $192 USD) for a starter dose of four injections. This price is significantly lower than its cost in the United States, where a month’s supply costs $1,350 (USD). However, China’s national healthcare insurance, which provides basic medical coverage for most of the population, does not cover the treatment.
Patients must pay out-of-pocket, limiting accessibility for some. Novo Nordisk is exploring ways to make the drug more affordable, including potential partnerships with commercial insurance providers.
Read more: How Wegovy’s European Milestone Sheds Light on Its Differences with Ozempic
Global Surge in Demand for Obesity Treatments
The introduction of Wegovy in China aligns with its success in other global markets, where the drug has redefined obesity treatment. Since its initial launch in the United States in 2021, Wegovy has propelled Novo Nordisk into becoming Europe’s most valuable company, with a valuation of almost $600 billion.
Wegovy’s rise has sparked unprecedented demand, with shortages reported globally, including in markets like the United Kingdom, where it became available on the NHS earlier this year. The drug’s active ingredient, semaglutide, helps suppress appetite and promote a feeling of fullness. Clinical trials consistently show that patients can lose over 10% of their body weight, making it a popular choice for both healthcare providers and patients.
Read also: Medical Channel Asia Community Forum – Weight Loss Options
Concerns Over Misuse of Obesity Treatments
The rising demand for obesity treatments like Wegovy has sparked concerns about potential misuse. Reports suggest that some individuals who do not meet the clinical criteria for obesity are seeking these drugs for off-label purposes.
Regulatory bodies worldwide have issued advisories to address this issue. The UK’s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has urged healthcare providers to remain vigilant and ensure that GLP-1 receptor agonists, such as Wegovy, are prescribed only to patients who meet the approved clinical criteria. Similarly, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has highlighted the risks associated with inappropriate use, stressing the importance of adherence to prescribing guidelines.
Wegovy’s Effectiveness, Safety, and Suitability
The effectiveness of Wegovy is supported by its active ingredient, semaglutide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. Semaglutide works by reducing appetite and increasing the feeling of fullness, enabling patients to achieve significant weight loss. Clinical trials show that Wegovy can help patients lose more than 10% of their body weight when combined with a comprehensive weight management programme, including diet, exercise, and behavioural therapy.
Wegovy targets:
- Adults with obesity, defined as having a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher.
- Adults who are overweight (BMI of 27 or higher) and have at least one weight-related comorbidity, such as:
- Hypertension
- Type 2 diabetes
The medication is not without risks. Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, and gastrointestinal discomfort, which may affect patient adherence. Research also indicates that patients often regain weight once treatment stops, highlighting the importance of long-term strategies to maintain results.
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