Novo Nordisk reportedly launches Wegovy in China

Novo Nordisk (NVO) has reportedly launched its popular weight-loss drug Wegovy in China ahead of a rival drug by Eli Lilly (NYSE:LLY).

The Danish drugmaker plans to charge $193.27 for a month’s supply of the drug, which lists for around $1,349 per month in the United States. More than 180M people in China are considered obese, according to Reuters.

Novo Nordisk (NVO) plans to market the product initially to Chinese patients who are willing to pay out-of-pocket. Wegovy is currently not covered by China’s national health insurance program, Reuters said.

Wegovy, also known as semaglutide, was approved by Chinese regulators in June. Lilly’s (LLY) tirzepatide was approved for weight loss in July, but has not yet been launched in that country. Lilly (LLY) markets tirzepatide for weight loss in the U.S. as Zepbound.

Both semaglutide and tirzepatide were previously approved in China for the treatment of diabetes. Novo Nordisk (NVO) markets semaglutide for diabetes in the U.S. under the brand name Ozempic, while Lilly (LLY) markets tirzepatide for diabetes in the U.S. under the brand name Mounjaro.