Novo Nordisk's Semaglutide Reshapes China's Weight Management Market with Multi-Channel Launch of Wegovy
Novo Nordisk
Insulin Developer and Manufacturer
On November 17, Novo Nordisk China announced the official launch of its "weight-loss version" of the semaglutide injection, Wegovy, in China for long-term weight management in adult patients with an initial Body Mass Index (BMI) ≥30kg/m², in conjunction with a controlled diet and increased physical activity.2(Obesity) or ≥27kg/m2<30kg/m2(Overweight) and have at least one weight-related comorbidity (such as hyperglycemia, hypertension, dyslipidemia, obstructive sleep apnea, or cardiovascular disease, etc.).
Semaglutide: More Than Just Weight Loss
Novo Ying is a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1RA) weekly formulation, with its main component being semaglutide. This component can stimulate the pancreas to secrete insulin and inhibit glucagon secretion, thereby achieving blood sugar control. In terms of weight loss, semaglutide mimics a brain-gut peptide substance secreted by the human small intestine. This brain-gut peptide substance can reduce hunger, delay gastric emptying, thereby reducing food intake and increasing satiety, achieving partial weight loss effects.
In April 2021, semaglutide was approved by the FDA for the indication of overweight or obesity, and in January 2022, it was approved by the European EMA under the brand name Wegovy. In June 2024, it received approval from China's National Medical Products Administration under the brand name NovoGain. According to its pivotal Phase III clinical trial, regardless of whether the subjects had type 2 diabetes, NovoGain achieved an average weight reduction of approximately 17% (16.8 kg) in adult patients with overweight and obesity across different ethnicities, ages, and genders globally. In May this year, NovoGain announced the weight loss efficacy data over four years of continuous use. The results showed that in the NovoGain group, weight loss persisted until week 65 and was maintained for four years thereafter. This trial data provides a reference for long-term clinical treatment.
At the same time, on the basis of weight loss, Novo Nordisk A/S also brings multiple benefits, which can improve the overall health condition of patients, including but not limited to reducing waist circumference, decreasing visceral fat, improving blood lipids, and delaying the progression of prediabetes.
Beyond weight loss, semaglutide 2.4mg (Wegovy) has even more potential. In March this year, Wegovy was approved by the FDA for a new indication to reduce the risk of cardiovascular death, non-fatal heart attacks, and non-fatal strokes in adults with cardiovascular disease who are also obese or overweight, becoming the first obesity treatment drug approved to reduce the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE).
Although the FDA approved semaglutide 2.4mg for its first cardiovascular indication, semaglutide's journey into cardiology is not over yet. Based on the excellent results of the Phase III clinical trial STEP HFpEF, semaglutide is highly likely to gain approval for heart failure indication in the near future.
In addition, in the field of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), semaglutide 2.4mg has also made new progress. The first part of the Phase III ESSENCE study has been successful, confirming its ability to significantly improve liver fibrosis and lead to the regression of steatohepatitis.
Multi-channel Layout Accelerates Changes in China's Weight Loss Market Landscape
Semaglutide, as a star in the glucose-lowering and weight-loss field, is increasingly gaining market recognition due to its excellent safety and efficacy. In 2023, the global sales of semaglutide (NovoTide for glucose-lowering + NovoGain for weight loss) reached 10.9 billion US dollars, becoming the first GLP-1RA drug with annual sales exceeding 10 billion US dollars.
With the official commercialization of semaglutide in China, Novo Nordisk has implemented a multi-channel strategy, including public hospitals, private hospitals, and pharmacy channels, and has also applied for provincial bidding and listing for NovoGain.
In addition, the online platform reservations are extremely popular. Major pharmaceutical e-commerce platforms such as JD Health, Alibaba Health, and Meituan Medicine have already opened reservation channels for Novo Nordisk's Wegovy (Novo Nordisk’s brand name for semaglutide). Patients can reserve the 1.5ml (0.68mg/ml) specification of Wegovy at a price of approximately over 1,600 yuan, which includes the medical consultation fees from offline healthcare institutions and other weight management-related service charges.
Major pharmaceutical e-commerce platforms have adopted an online reservation and offline consultation model. After patients "place an order" online, they can visit a nearby medical institution to seek a doctor's diagnosis and obtain a prescription. This model maximizes coverage of patients with weight-loss needs while quickly addressing patient demands and providing precise medical services.
It is worth noting that Novo Nordisk has strict indications. Patients with weight loss needs must strictly follow the doctor's advice when using the medication. Arbitrary self-use or increasing the dosage can easily lead to adverse reactions.
In addition, Novo Nordisk's digital patient service platform "NovoCare" has simultaneously launched an exclusive version for NovoBund, providing patients who have been prescribed NovoBund with a one-stop health management service platform that integrates professional medication guidance, disease education content, intelligent companion health management tools, and a "pharmacy map" function, among other customized services.
With the strong arrival of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy, the GLP-1 weight loss track is set to掀起 another wave of enthusiasm, further intensifying market competition pressure on domestic players in this space, such as Huadong Medicine, Renhe Biotechnology, Innovent Biologics, and Hengrui Medicine.
In addition to the comprehensive layout of Wegovy, Novo Nordisk has also been deeply exploring the GLP-1 field. This includes the development of an oral version of semaglutide and a compound formulation with better weight loss effects called CagriSema, which is composed of the long-acting amylin analogue cagrilintide and semaglutide. Moreover, Novo Nordisk has also developed a GLP-1 and amylin dual receptor agonist named amycretin, which is available in both oral and subcutaneous injection versions.
Currently, the success of Semaglutide may be difficult to replicate, but the dedication and innovative spirit of Novo Nordisk are worth learning from. Additionally, how to effectively commercialize products is also something that pharmaceutical companies in China should consider.
Reference Source:
1.Yiming Mu, et al. Efficacy and safety of once weekly semaglutide 2·4 mg for weight management in a predominantly east Asian population with overweight or obesity (STEP 7): a double-blind, multicentre, randomised controlled trial. Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol. 2024 Mar;12(3):184-195.
2. Interface News "E-commerce Platforms Are Frantically Snatching Up Weight-Loss Version of Semaglutide"
3.https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/wegovy-receives-fda-approval-for-cardiovascular-risk-reduction-in-adults-with-known-heart-disease-and-overweight-or-obesity-302084454.html.
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