Novo Nordisk(US:NVO) 第一财经·2025-09-24 12:10Core Insights - Novo Nordisk's weight loss drug semaglutide will face significant competition from generic versions in China after its patent expires in 2026, prompting the company to expedite the global launch of an oral version of the drug [3][4] - Recent Phase III clinical trial results published in NEJM show that the oral semaglutide 25mg leads to an average weight loss of 16.6% over 64 weeks, with over one-third of patients achieving a weight loss of 20% or more, comparable to the injectable version [3][4] Group 1: Novo Nordisk's Strategy - Novo Nordisk submitted a new drug application for the oral semaglutide to the FDA in February, expecting approval by the end of the year, which would make it the first approved oral GLP-1 weight loss medication [3][4] - The company aims to capture the oral weight loss drug market ahead of competitors like Eli Lilly and new entrants [4] Group 2: Competitive Landscape - Roche plans to launch multiple weight loss products by 2030, with three expected to exceed $1 billion in annual sales [5] - Chinese biopharmaceutical company Innovent Biologics is actively commercializing its GLP-1 weight loss drug, mazhidutide, with projected sales of over 600 million RMB (approximately $84.4 million) this year, potentially reaching 3.5 billion RMB by 2029 [5][6] Group 3: Market Dynamics in China - The Chinese weight loss drug market is expected to reach several billion dollars in value in the coming years, with local companies having a better understanding of consumer needs and sales channels [6] - Current weight loss drugs in China are expensive and not covered by national health insurance, with Novo Nordisk's semaglutide priced at around $400 per month and Innovent's mazhidutide at approximately $411 [6]