Ole Schwander Novo Nordisk (NVO) reportedly expects its well-liked weight-loss drug Wegovy to be licensed in China this 12 months, however plans to release the product within the large Asian marketplace with capped volumes. Talking at an buyers assembly in Copenhagen, Christine Zhou Xiaping, head of Novo Nordisk’s China department, informed listeners that the release will focal point first on sufferers paying out-of-pocket for the drug, consistent with Reuters. Wegovy, often referred to as semaglutide, belongs to a category of gear referred to as GLP-1s, which can be used to regard weight problems and diabetes. Novo Nordisk markets a model of semaglutide for diabetes beneath the logo title Ozempic. Xiaping added that a number of drugmakers have filed to behavior scientific trials for generic variations of GLP-1 medicine, however none are anticipated to be licensed earlier than 2028, Reuters stated. Wegovy’s patent in China is predicted to run out in 2026, Reuters added. Novo Nordisk’s primary competitor within the GLP-1 drug area has been Eli Lilly (NYSE:LLY), which markets the diabetes drug Mounjaro and weight reduction drug Zepbound. Different firms with GLP-1 medicine in construction come with AstraZeneca (AZN), Amgen (AMGN), Pfizer (PFE), Viking Therapeutics (VKTX), Tern Prescription drugs (TERN) and Construction Therapeutics (GPCR).