Novo Nordisk's obesity drug Wegovy goes on sale in China

Pallade Veneta - Novo Nordisk's obesity drug Wegovy goes on sale in China

HEALTH 19.11.2024

Novo Nordisk's obesity drug Wegovy goes on sale in China / Photo: SCOTT OLSON - GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA/AFP

Novo Nordisk's blockbuster weight-loss drug Wegovy is now available for use in China, the company confirmed to AFP on Tuesday, as the Asian nation battles high rates of obesity.

Change text size:

The Danish pharmaceutical firm is the maker of two game-changing treatments for diabetes and obesity -- Ozempic and Wegovy -- propelling its emergence as Europe's most valuable company.

Wegovy was approved for use in China in June, and local media reported that the first prescription at a public hospital was issued in Shanghai on Monday.

A Novo Nordisk spokesperson confirmed to AFP on Tuesday that the drug was "now available in China" for the treatment of adults with obesity and those overweight with at least one weight-related comorbidity.

China's rapid economic development has driven health improvements in recent decades but that growth was also accompanied by an explosion in weight-related disorders.

Nearly half of all adults in the country are either overweight or obese, according to a peer-reviewed study last year that was covered by state media.

Local media reported that a month's supply of Wegovy will cost around 1,400 yuan ($193), compared to the reported US list price of $1,349.

Novo Nordisk last week posted a 21 percent rise in net profit to 27.3 billion kroner ($3.94 billion) in the third quarter, despite production constraints.

The company said it expected full-year sales to rise by 23 to 27 percent from a year earlier, revising its earlier forecast of 22 to 28 percent.

O.Mucciarone--PV

Seacliff Healthcare Seeks Specialist GP in Thirroul

Seacliff Healthcare, located in the Illawarra region of New South Wales, is seeking a Specialist General Practitioner to join its team. The practice, situated near Thirroul village station, currently supports five GPs and has capacity for additional medical staff with onsite pathology and allied health services.

India proposes more import entry points for drugs and medical devices

New Delhi The Union Health Ministry has proposed expanding the network of authorised import gateways for drugs, medical devices and cosmetics by adding several inland container depots, a special economic zone and an international airport to facilitate faster clearance and improve supply chain efficiency. The proposed amendment to Rule 43A of the Drugs Rules, 1945, seeks to include additional entry points in Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Telangana and Karnataka, as reported by a gazette notification issued by the

Why Pregnancy Cost Estimates Fail: A Family’s $9,000 Surprise

Grace Griffin thought she had calculated her pregnancy expenses accurately until bills exceeded $9,000—more than triple her insurer’s estimate. Her experience highlights a systemic failure in healthcare transparency, as federal rules designed to provide accurate cost predictions remain unimplemented. With maternity billing codes set to change next year, experts urge parents to master insurance details and verify every bill.

Kuwait inspectors destroy 115 kilograms of unverified meat in Farwaniya

KUWAIT: The Public Authority for Food and Nutrition (PAFN) issued nine violation reports and destroyed 115 kilograms of meat of unknown origin during an inspection tour of food establishments in Farwaniya Governorate, the authority announced on Monday. The tour was carried out by the authority’s Farwaniya food inspection department.