Novo Nordisk will seek regulatory approval for an oral version of its weight-loss drug Wegovy in China. CEO Mike Doustdar announced the plan on Tuesday, with data submission expected within the coming months.
The pill utilizes semaglutide, the same active ingredient found in the company’s injectable treatments. This move places Novo Nordisk in direct competition with Eli Lilly, which has already submitted its own oral weight-loss drug for approval in the region.
China represents the world’s second-largest pharmaceutical market. Novo Nordisk faces mounting pressure from the upcoming patent expiration of semaglutide in the country. The company is accelerating its regulatory timeline to establish brand dominance before generic competitors enter the market.