Core Insights - Novo Nordisk China announced a strategic organizational restructuring aimed at optimizing resource allocation and focusing on core business growth, effective from January 1, 2026 [5] - The restructuring aligns with the global strategy of shifting resources towards high-growth businesses [5] Group 1: Insulin Division Restructuring - The Emerging Business Division (EBD) will be renamed the Insulin Business Division (IBD), focusing exclusively on the innovative insulin product line [6] - This division will divest from GLP-1 related businesses and will leverage Novo Nordisk's century-long experience in the insulin sector to accelerate the introduction of innovative products [6] Group 2: Diabetes and Obesity Division Focus - The Diabetes and Obesity Division (DOD) will concentrate on the full product line of semaglutide for diabetes and obesity [8] - Key initiatives include solidifying the market leadership of Novo Nordisk's brand in type 2 diabetes blood sugar control, enhancing the brand influence of oral GLP-1 formulation, and accelerating the competitive advantage of weight loss drug Novo Nordisk [8] - These products, while all based on semaglutide, will cater to different patient needs through varying formulations and indications [8] Group 3: Sales Network Enhancement - The Commercial and Retail Division (DRD) will strengthen channel cooperation and build a comprehensive sales network [9] - This division will collaborate deeply with distributors to handle sales tasks in grassroots hospitals and will further penetrate the retail market, including partnerships with online pharmaceutical platforms [9] - The restructuring aims to eliminate business overlaps and clarify core responsibilities among divisions, reinforcing business barriers ahead of the potential generic competition following the expiration of semaglutide's core patent in 2026 [9]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the recent developments in the GLP-1 drug market, particularly focusing on the approval and clinical trials of semaglutide for weight loss and diabetes management by Four Rings Pharmaceutical and its subsidiary Huisheng Biotech [2][4]. Company Overview - Four Rings Pharmaceutical is a comprehensive pharmaceutical company involved in research, production, sales, and medical aesthetics, evolving through four stages to establish a dual-engine model of "pharmaceuticals + medical aesthetics" [6]. - The company has a history of significant growth, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) that has outpaced the industry from 2001 to 2010, and has expanded its operations through acquisitions and upgrades [6]. - As of now, Four Rings has over 600 research personnel and more than 120 new drugs in development, with over 300 patents granted [7]. Product Development - Semaglutide, a new long-acting GLP-1 receptor agonist, has shown dual effects in lowering blood sugar and controlling weight by promoting insulin secretion and suppressing appetite [4]. - The "weight loss version" of semaglutide has completed its Phase III clinical trial enrollment and is now in the follow-up stage [2]. - The core component patent for semaglutide in China will expire in March 2026, with seven companies having their related applications accepted, focusing primarily on Type 2 diabetes treatments [5]. Market Competition - Novo Nordisk has been an early player in this market, with its diabetes injection product, Ozempic, approved in April 2021, followed by oral and weight loss versions in 2024 [5]. - The competitive landscape includes various companies pursuing different registration classifications and technical routes for semaglutide-related products [5].