China's First Homegrown Human Long-Acting GLP-1 Drug 'Yinuoqing' (Efsupaglutide Alpha) Launches on JD Health

Recently, the new drug for adult type 2 diabetes, “Yinuqing” (Esupaglutide Alfa Injection), was launched exclusively across JD Health’s online and offline channels. Independently developed by Shanghai Innovent Biopharmaceutical Technology Co., Ltd., this human-derived ultra-long-acting GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) medication helps patients with type 2 diabetes effectively manage both blood glucose levels and body weight, thereby improving metabolic function. Leveraging its position as the leading entry point for online health consumption, JD Health will utilize its omnichannel supply chain and comprehensive healthcare service capabilities to provide more patients with diabetes and obesity with novel therapeutic options.

Diabetes and obesity, as major public health challenges facing contemporary society, impose a substantial health burden on patients due to their high prevalence and risk of complications. Statistics indicate that the global market size for GLP-1 drugs reached $33 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow to $90.8 billion by 2030, highlighting significant market demand. In China, although traditional oral medications and insulin remain the mainstream treatments for diabetes, GLP-1 drugs are gradually emerging as a preferred option in diabetes management owing to their superior glucose-lowering efficacy and favorable safety profile. However, the variety of GLP-1 drugs currently available in the Chinese market is limited, with human-derived long-acting GLP-1 drugs possessing independent intellectual property rights being particularly scarce.

“Yinuqing” (Esupraglutide Alfa Injection), launched nationwide for the first time, was independently developed by Yinnuo Medicine and holds global patents. It is China’s first human-derived long-acting GLP-1 receptor agonist with independent intellectual property rights. Currently, ten innovative GLP-1 receptor agonists for the treatment of type 2 diabetes have been marketed globally, three of which are human-derived long-acting agents: Eli Lilly’s dulaglutide and tirzepatide, and Novo Nordisk’s semaglutide. With the successful approval of “Yinuqing,” Yinnuo Medicine has become the third company globally and the first in Asia to hold independent intellectual property rights for a human-derived long-acting GLP-1 receptor agonist.

This medication is an original GLP-1 fusion recombinant protein developed through genetic engineering technology, offering multiple advantages including a long half-life, superior efficacy, and a favorable safety profile. Specifically, efsupaglutide alfa has an average half-life of 204 hours, surpassing that of currently marketed drugs in the same class. It is the GLP-1 medication with the longest half-life among those currently available worldwide, supporting biweekly injections and significantly enhancing patient convenience. Publicly available data indicate that the half-lives of semaglutide, tirzepatide, and dulaglutide—GLP-1 receptor agonists widely used globally—are 168, 120, and 112 hours, respectively. Furthermore, Phase III clinical trial results demonstrate that efsupaglutide alfa exhibits outstanding performance in both glycemic control and weight reduction, with a low incidence of gastrointestinal adverse reactions, good patient tolerability, and a wide safety margin.

A JD Health representative stated, “In addition to online channels, Yinuo Qing will also make its offline debut at the Fenglin Road store of JD Pharmacy in Shanghai. Patients can purchase the medication in-store with a prescription, or place an online order for the aforementioned store via JD Medicine’s instant delivery service. The medication will be delivered through JD Medicine’s dedicated cold-chain courier service, reaching patients in as little as nine minutes. We will leverage our strengths to provide comprehensive support for the promotion and sales of efsupaglutide alfa, enabling more patients to benefit from this innovative drug.”

“Yinuolight” (Esupaglutide Alfa Injection) made its exclusive debut across the entire JD Health platform, marking another solid step forward in China’s diabetes treatment landscape. With the continuous emergence of innovative drugs and ongoing innovation in healthcare service models, it is believed that more patients will be able to benefit from more efficient, convenient, and safe disease management services, thereby enjoying a healthier and better quality of life.