On November 17, Novo Nordisk announced that its weekly formulation of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1RA) semaglutide (trade name: Novowin) for long-term weight management was officially launched in China, providing a weight loss option for Chinese overweight and obese patients.

It is understood that with the official commercialization of Novowin, the first prescription of semaglutide for weight loss indications in public hospitals will be issued in Shanghai next week.

Regarding the pricing of Novowin, Novo Nordisk responded: "We have begun to apply for Novowin provincial bidding network, and the sales price will refer to the provincial online price."

Previously, Novo Nordisk's semaglutide for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, Novotai, has been included in the medical insurance, and the cost of a 3 ml dose is less than 800 yuan.

In addition, Novowin has previously entered the private hospital channel and can be booked through the Internet platform, with a charge of about 1,400 yuan per bottle (one month's supply). The reporter randomly called the outpatient department of a private hospital in Shanghai. The staff said that the current supply of medicines is relatively tight, and a batch of goods will arrive next week. Patients need to make an appointment. After the relevant medication indications are evaluated in the outpatient clinic, they can buy it after the private hospital prescribes a prescription.

Novo Nordisk emphasizes the rational use of prescription drugs. Novo Nordisk said that it will be deployed in multiple channels (including public hospitals, private hospitals, and pharmacy channels) according to the distribution of obese patients.

At present, semaglutide for long-term weight management has been written into the "Guidelines for Long-term Weight Management and Clinical Application of Drugs for Obese Patients (2024 Edition)" recently released by the National Health Commission. It can not only improve multiple metabolic indicators, but also has a clear cardiovascular protective effect, which can prevent and improve obesity-related complications.

Source: https://mp.weixin.qq.com/