Innovative Oral Delivery and Comprehensive Metabolic Benefits: Rybelsus® (Oral Semaglutide), the World's First Oral GLP-1 Receptor Agonist, Fully Launched in China

On January 11, 2025, Novo Nordisk announced the world's first oral glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1RA) —— Rybelsus.^®(Semaglutide Tablets) Launched Nationwide in China. Novo Nordisk^®With the convenient oral administration, help patients benefit earlier from GLP-1RA class drugs, and assist in achieving high-quality blood glucose control.^**In combination with metabolic comprehensive management, it brings an innovative category to the clinical treatment of type 2 diabetes in China.

The World's First Oral GLP-1RA, NovoRin^®Launched Nationwide in China

▌From Simple Glucose Reduction to MetabolismComprehensive Management, 2Type Diabetes TreatmentConcepts in Urgent Need of a New Upgrade

Currently, China has the largest number of type 2 diabetes patients in the world, with approximately 140 million patients aged 20-79.^[1], accounting for more than a quarter of the global total, and combined with overweight/obesity^[2], Dyslipidemia^[3], Hypertension^[4]The proportion is high. Large cross-sectional survey data on diabetes in China released in 2020 showed that the blood glucose level of treated diabetes patients reached the standard in less than half of the cases.^[5]Another study shows that the percentage of patients achieving target levels for blood glucose, weight, blood pressure, and blood lipids simultaneously is even lower.^[6]。Other nationwide cross-sectional multicenter studies have shown,The blood glucose target achievement rate for type 2 diabetes patients relying solely on oral hypoglycemic agents is approximately one-third.^[7]。

Novo Nordisk^®"One of the leading experts in China's registered clinical studies, Professor Ji Linnong, Director of the Endocrinology Department at Peking University People's Hospital, stated: 'We recognize that diabetes is not only a blood sugar issue but also triggers multiple metabolic disorders, including blood pressure, blood lipids, and weight, which are the main causes of cardiovascular disease and kidney disease in China. Therefore, the treatment concept for type 2 diabetes urgently needs to be upgraded. Currently, drug development based on GLP-1RA focuses on managing multiple metabolic disorders, and its importance in clinical application is becoming increasingly prominent.'"，Recognized by major global guidelines, it has become the most core treatment method for type 2 diabetes.As"The innovative category of GLP-1RA drugs, oral GLP-1RA, has achieved a milestone breakthrough. Its launch will further enhance the widespread clinical application of GLP-1RA drugs."

▌Novo Nordisk^®Balancing Multiple Metabolic Benefits, Has the Potential to Lead Oral Diabetes Medication Treatment to New Heights

Novo Nordisk^®Twelve PIONEER series Phase 3 clinical trials conducted globally have confirmed its significant blood sugar-lowering effects and multiple metabolic regulatory capabilities, including weight loss, blood pressure reduction, and lipid modulation.^{[8-19，1-10]}, . Among them,ChinaType 2 Diabetes Patients Using NovoMix^®After treatment, the maximum reduction in glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) was 1.6%.^[20-21], with the highest compliance rate reaching 92.3%.^[20], with a maximum weight loss of 3.4kg^[21]`, blood pressure can be reduced by up to 4 mmHg.`^[20-21], significant improvement in fasting blood lipids^[20-21]。

Professor Jilinong Ji said:"PastIn 5 years, Novo Nordisk^®The safety and efficacy demonstrated in the Phase 3 clinical study have also been validated in real-world clinical use in countries where it has been launched. Novo Nordisk^®"Potent hypoglycemic effect, comprehensively improving multiple metabolic disorders in patients with type 2 diabetes. Administered orally once daily, it significantly enhances patient compliance and increases the possibility of long-term clinical comprehensive benefits."

▌Breakthrough in Oral Delivery of Biologic Peptides Achieved, Stemming from Novo Nordisk's Continuous InnovationPursuit

For a hundred years, achieving oral administration of biologically active peptide drugs like GLP-1RA has been a technical challenge for scientists. Professor Lü Xiaoxi from the Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, emphasized: "Novo Nordisk's continuous and substantial R&D investment in innovative oral drug delivery technology has finally led to the powerful combination of the semaglutide molecule and the SNAC molecule, enabling Novo Nordisk’s Riomet (Rybelsus).^®"With the help of 'SNAC absorption enhancer,' it has overcome multiple absorption barriers in the stomach, advancing GLP-1RA drugs into a new phase of oral administration."

Charlotte Zhou, Senior Vice President of Novo Nordisk Global and President of Greater China, said: "As a global leading biopharmaceutical company, Novo Nordisk has been deeply engaged in the diabetes treatment field for a century. We have always adhered to a patient-centered approach, driven change, and accelerated innovation. Novo Nordisk...^®Another significant innovation brought by Novo Nordisk for global healthcare professionals and patients with type 2 diabetes.At Novo Nordisk^®"On the occasion of the launch in China, we would like to express our gratitude once again to the government departments for their strong support and guidance in accelerating the introduction of innovative drugs into China, as well as the active contributions of Chinese researchers. In the future, Novo Nordisk will continue to bring more globally innovative products and treatment solutions to Chinese patients, promote the innovation of diabetes treatment concepts, and contribute to the realization of the goals outlined in the 'Healthy China 2030' plan."

Safe Medication Use

Novo Nordisk^®For the glycemic control in adult patients with type 2 diabetes: Can be used as monotherapy to improve glycemic control on the basis of diet and exercise; For adult patients with type 2 diabetes who still have poor glycemic control despite treatment with metformin and/or sulfonylureas in addition to diet and exercise.

Novo Nordisk^®As a prescription drug, it should be purchased from正规 channels with a prescription from a physician or other qualified healthcare professional, and used safely and reasonably under the guidance of a physician, pharmacist, or other qualified healthcare professional.

About Novo Nordisk

Novo Nordisk, founded in 1923, is a global leading biopharmaceutical company headquartered in Denmark. Building on a century-long heritage in diabetes care, our mission is to drive change to defeat serious chronic diseases. To achieve this, we spearhead scientific breakthroughs, expand access to our medicines, and are committed to the prevention and ultimately the cure of diseases. Novo Nordisk has approximately 72,000 employees across 80 countries and regions worldwide, delivering products and services to around 170 countries and regions globally. Novo Nordisk China official website:http://www.novonordisk.com.cn

** High-quality achievement: HbA1c < 7%, no severe or confirmed hypoglycemia, and no weight gain

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