Oral semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist, has been approved for marketing in China by the National Medical Products Administration for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. This marks a significant milestone as it is the first oral GLP-1 receptor agonist to be approved in the country.
Developed by Danish pharmaceutical giant Novo Nordisk, semaglutide is the main active ingredient in the antidiabetic drug Ozempic and the weight loss drug Wegovy. Its approval in China has caused a surge in demand, especially for its weight loss properties. Due to its efficacy and celebrity endorsements, semaglutide has become a hot-selling “miracle weight loss drug,” with its various products in short supply and prices speculated to be thousands of yuan on internet drug sales platforms. This surge in demand has also impacted the stock prices of various related companies in the market.
With the expected rapid growth of the weight loss market, semaglutide is poised to become a star product for weight loss. Research predicts that more than 65% of the population in China may face obesity by 2030, and the global weight loss drug market is expected to reach US$54 billion in 2030. This creates a significant opportunity for companies involved in semaglutide-related businesses.
Several listed companies, including Huadong Medicine, Huayang Intelligent, Fosun Pharma, Privilege Pharmaceuticals, Hanyu Pharmaceuticals, and Sirnaomics, have responded to the interactive platform with semaglutide-related business plans. Additionally, 13 other listed companies, including Yixintang, Borui Pharmaceuticals, Joincare, and Ganli Pharmaceuticals, have also reported relevant business situations related to semaglutide.
The approval of oral semaglutide in China has not only opened a new door for type 2 diabetes treatment but has also sparked a surge in the weight loss market, with many companies capitalizing on this opportunity. As the demand for semaglutide continues to grow, it is expected to have a significant impact on the pharmaceutical market in China and beyond.