File photo/NBD

Novo Nordisk's drug Semaglutide has been approved in China for long-term weight management, the company said in a post on an official WeChat account on Tuesday. 

Ozempic (semaglutide injection for long-term weight management), a once-weekly glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1), is the first and only GLP-1 receptor agonist in the world currently approved for long-term weight management, according to Novo Nordisk. This approval is a milestone for individuals seeking a medical approach to weight loss and overall health improvement.

The drug is indicated for long-term weight management in adults who are already managing their diet and increasing physical activity. It is suitable for patients with an initial body mass index (BMI) of 30 kg/m² or more (obese), or between 27 kg/m² and less than 30 kg/m² (overweight) with at least one weight-related comorbidity such as hyperglycemia, hypertension, dyslipidemia, obstructive sleep apnea, or cardiovascular diseases.

Clinical trials have shown that Ozempic can achieve an average weight reduction of 17%, which equates to a significant 16.8 kg decrease. This substantial weight loss is accompanied by multiple health benefits that extend beyond just the physical, with the drug's safety profile having been extensively validated.

On June 25, the weight loss drug concept stocks experienced an uplift in the afternoon, with Hybio Pharmaceutical surging by 8%. Previously, Xinjiang Bai Hua Cun Pharma Tech hit the daily limit, with Boji Medical Technology, Hebei Changshan Biochemical Pharm, and Kingchem Liaoning Life Science also following suit in the market rally.

This regulatory approval not only marks a new chapter for Novo Nordisk in China but also offers a promising alternative for individuals struggling with obesity and related health issues. As the market responds positively to this news, it highlights the growing demand and potential for innovative weight management solutions in the healthcare sector.