Novo Nordisk Accelerates Approval for Weight-Loss Pill in China

Novo Nordisk is preparing to seek regulatory approval in China for its weight-loss pill, aiming to compete with Eli Lilly. With semaglutide as its active ingredient, this move seeks to revolutionize weight-loss treatments and tap into the booming GLP-1 market in China.

Novo Nordisk is poised to request regulatory approval for its weight-loss pill in China shortly, CEO Mike Doustdar announced on Tuesday. This move is part of the Danish pharmaceutical company's strategy to stay competitive against Eli Lilly in the world's second-largest drug market.

The weight-loss pills developed by both Novo Nordisk and U.S. firm Eli Lilly are expected to attract patients who are hesitant about injections, revolutionizing weight-loss treatment and dramatically transforming the global pharmaceutical landscape. In March, Eli Lilly submitted a marketing application for its once-daily oral GLP-1 agonist, orforglipron, to China's drug regulator, with an expected decision by the end of 2025.

Novo's Wegovy pill, containing semaglutide like its popular injectable counterpart, is already approved in the U.S. and the UK. The expanding GLP-1 market in China is evident, with sales reaching approximately 1.4 billion yuan ($207 million) during Q1 through Alibaba and JD.com, according to Jefferies.