Novo Nordisk Races to Launch Wegovy Pill in China Amid Fierce Competition

Novo Nordisk plans to seek Chinese regulatory approval for its Wegovy weight-loss pill shortly, aiming to catch up with Eli Lilly in the expansive Chinese pharmaceutical market. The companies are competing to dominate the market with their transformative weight-loss drugs as they expand globally.

Novo Nordisk is preparing to submit its Wegovy weight-loss pill for regulatory approval in China, according to the company's CEO on Tuesday. This move comes as Novo looks to rival Eli Lilly in China's rapidly growing pharmaceutical industry.

CEO Mike Doustdar, during his first visit to China since taking office, indicated that the submission for oral Wegovy is expected within months. The competition is heating up, with players like Pfizer and Innovent Biologics entering the market.

Novo's drug, belonging to the GLP-1 class, faces pressure from generics by next year. Early approvals were secured in the U.S. and Britain, and rival Lilly has already applied for Chinese approval of its oral drug, highlighting the intense market dynamics.