Novo Nordisk Launches Wegovy in China With Costs Effectively Under US

Novo Nordisk A/S is launching its top-selling Wegovy weight problems drug in China at a fraction of the US worth, a key step in unlocking a giant, fast-growing marketplace for its blockbuster franchise.

Preliminary prescriptions for the drug are anticipated to be issued in Shanghai this week, Yicai information service reported Monday.

Wegovy can be listed as obtainable for pre-orders on a number of e-commerce platforms the place sufferers can register for scientific visits to evaluate their eligibility for remedy and prescriptions.

Costs differ by dosage, however a one-month provide of the 0.25 mg starter dose will price 1,400 yuan ($193.31), in line with Yicai and on-line listings.

That’s considerably decrease than the $1,349 listing worth for Wegovy within the US. It’s additionally under costs in among the European markets US lawmakers have cited when criticising the Danish pharmaceutical agency over its pricing.

Nonetheless, whereas many sufferers within the US and Europe depend on insurance coverage suppliers for at the very least a portion of the drug’s prices, Chinese language consumers will largely should pay out of their very own pockets.

Wegovy isn’t reimbursable beneath China’s nationwide medical insurance program, which covers 95 p.c of the nation’s 1.4 billion individuals, and the authorities have dominated out protection for weight-loss.

Novo is exploring methods to make the drug extra inexpensive, together with business insurance coverage, Christine Zhou, the corporate’s world senior vp and president for China, instructed Yicai.

Novo introduced the China launch of Wegovy at an occasion Sunday, practically 5 months after the treatment was accredited within the nation.

Ozempic, a drug which comprises the identical lively ingredient of semaglutide, was accredited in 2021 and subsequently included on the state insurance coverage reimbursement listing for kind 2 diabetes.

International gross sales of each medicines, which goal a hormone often known as GLP-1, have continued to soar as Novo works by shortages brought on by overwhelming demand.

Wegovy introduced in $2.5 billion for Novo within the third quarter, exceeding analyst expectations.

China’s weight problems charges are rising, with a 2023 research estimating round 85 million adults with the situation.

US-based Eli Lilly & Co., Novo’s predominant rival, has additionally gained Chinese language approval for its weight-loss drug, whereas home biotech corporations are engaged on competing candidates.

Novo has stated it would restrict the preliminary China launch for Wegovy to keep away from world disruption.

By Amber Tong

Study extra:

Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy Accredited in China for Weight Loss

The a lot anticipated approval means Novo will present a product for weight reduction on the earth’s second-largest economic system and market the place sufferers had been counting on off-label use of diabetes drug Ozempic.