专利即将到期 “减肥神药”打响市场争夺战

Core Insights - The patent for the core compound of semaglutide, known as a weight loss miracle drug, is set to expire in China on March 20, 2026, which has led to recent price reductions for the drug [1] - Novo Nordisk has announced price cuts for semaglutide to alleviate the financial burden of obesity treatment and to allow more patients to benefit from the medication [1] - The expiration of the patent is expected to intensify competition in the market as other companies prepare to launch biosimilars [2] Pricing and Market Dynamics - The price of semaglutide injection (2.27mg/mL×3mL) has decreased from 1893.67 yuan to 987.48 yuan, and the 3.2mg/mL version has dropped from 2463 yuan to 1284.36 yuan [1] - E-commerce platforms have become significant channels for consumers to purchase semaglutide, although there are concerns about the adequacy of prescription verification processes [2] Regulatory and Safety Considerations - Semaglutide is classified as a prescription drug, requiring strict approval processes and clinical trials before market release [3] - Novo Nordisk emphasizes the importance of using semaglutide under the guidance of qualified healthcare professionals to ensure safety and efficacy [3] - The effectiveness and safety of semaglutide have been validated in 58 global clinical studies, with approximately 38 million patient-years of usage experience reported [3]