The Hyper-Competitive Rush for Semaglutide Biosimilars in China

Remarkably, Jiuyuan Gene’s marketing application could lead to China’s initial biosimilar approval. This competitive environment not only addresses the growing obesity epidemic but also aims to provide affordable alternatives, as illustrated by Wegovy’s recent market introduction at approximately $193.27 per month. The healthcare regulations governing biosimilars in China are rapidly changing, particularly with the anticipated release of semaglutide biosimilars. As the patent for Novo Nordisk’s Ozempic nears expiration in 2026, establishing a complete regulatory framework is critical. The National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) oversees the approval process, ensuring that biosimilars demonstrate equivalent efficacy and safety to their reference products. It increases the production of insulin by mimicking the action of the incretin GLP-1.

Check with your doctor right away if you have fast or pounding heart beat. Check with your doctor if you have blurred vision or any other changes in vision. Pancreatitis (swelling of the pancreas) may occur while you are using this medicine.

The drop off will likely not reach the same levels in the US, given the more consolidated pricing structure in China. Semaglutide is already significantly cheaper in China compared to the US due to its government’s price negotiation policy, with a one-month supply of the 0.25mg starter dose of Wegovy costing around 1,400 yuan ($193). A growing body positivity movement in China is seeing a boom in social media influencers advertising plus-size clothing brands, currently estimated to make up a $10 billion industry, according to Hedgehog Commune, a media analytics blog. A 2021 report from state-owned lifestyle site Sixth Tone revealed rising eating disorder cases among young females. A representative for Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of Ozempic, told Insider that it is “difficult to compare prices in different countries” as every country “approaches pricing of medicines in different ways.” “If the negotiated prices are too low, it may create financial challenges for companies, particularly those that have invested significant resources in R&D,” said Chen.

Regulations on Importing Medications from Other Countries

It ought to be recommended and observed by a medical services proficient to guarantee protected and successful use. Between March 2023 and September 2024, 16 companies shipped semaglutide bulk to the U.S. across 159 shipments, of which 134 were allowed entry and 123 had complete enough data for analysis of quantity shipped. Among the resulting 11 firms, one European and one Chinese are likely part of submitted ANDA applications, based on the timing of their DMFs and the payment of GDUFA DMF user fees. One firm whose shipments were rejected was a DMF holder without an NDC code. Figure 1 plots the number of semaglutide manufacturers requesting NDC codes for semaglutide powder, all organized by the date of the first NDC request. Additionally, manufacturers that obtained NDC codes are organized by country.

Receptor Grade IGF-1 LR3 (100mcg)

Semaglutide powder derives from semaglutide, which is a GLP-1 receptor agonist. It means that semaglutide can mimic the action of the human incretin glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), increasing insulin secretion, blood sugar disposal, and glycemic control. It was developed by NovoNordisk, a leader in the field of diabetes, as an antidiabetic drug used for treating type 2 diabetes and long-term weight management. Semaglutide is a long-acting dosage form developed based on the basic structure of liraglutide. It is more effective in treating type 2 diabetes and shows the ability to help patients lose weight.

Big pharma eyes China ‘at forefront of GLP-1 revolution’

As Novo Nordisk’s Ozempic patent approaches expiration in 2026, competition intensifies among at least 11 Chinese firms, including Huadong Medicine and Livzon New North River, all excited to penetrate the market. Skrmetti said he’s concerned that some compound pharmacies are in a hurry to mass produce GLP-1s to keep up with demand. In the rush, they could fail to adhere to safety requirements established by the U.S. Skrmetti said his family benefitted from a compound pharmacy when it provided a special-made drug, not found in major drug stores, to treat his child’s severe allergies.

Health Products

Semaglutide mimics a natural hormone in the body called GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1). It plays an important role in controlling blood sugar, digestion, and appetite. However, in people with type 2 diabetes, this hormone does not work as well as it should. The purpose of this guide is to answer the most common questions people have about ordering semaglutide.

  • These programs include savings cards, coupons, and full assistance programs.
  • All products are sold for research, laboratory, or analytical purposes only, and are not for human consumption.
  • Novo Nordisk’s Ozempic is currently the only foreign-made semaglutide drug approved in China, but both Chinese and American players are hoping to chip away at its regional dominance.
  • The drug will initially be available to patients with a body mass index (BMI) of 30kg/m2 — the threshold for obesity — and at least one weight-related comorbidity, it added.
  • You should also ask your pharmacy about coupons and discounts that may be available to you.

China’s National Medical Products Administration “recently” approved the weekly injectable drug, Novo Nordisk said in a press release on the Chinese version of its website, according to Google translate. If you have no commercial or private insurance, you may get a 3-month supply of Ozempic for $25 for up to 48 months. Those without insurance can expect to rybelsus semaglutide tablets pay around $890 to $1,000 per injection, depending on their pharmacy. If you have commercial or private insurance, you can get Ozempic for as little as $25 with a Novo Nordisk savings card. If you have insurance, consider contacting your insurer for prior authorization for Ozempic, as Sesame Care will contact them directly around billing.

buying 15mg vial Weight Loss Injections (Ozempic) Semaglutide Online

However, he said he becomes concerned when compound pharmacies are mass producing drugs. Counterfeit weight-loss drugs have been found to contain insulin without disclosing it. “It can cause all sorts of adverse effects,” he said, of the counterfeit drugs.

However, as its demand has increased, so have concerns about where to order it safely and reliably. The introduction of innovative biosimilars, like Jiyoutai, promises to improve patient access and lower treatment costs. Plus, the recent approval of Wegovy, another semaglutide formulation, enriches the therapeutic options available.

In this medical gold rush, Roth sees echoes of an earlier massively hyped medicine-turned-cultural-phenomenon. In fact, both Ro and Hims started as telehealth companies selling ED medications. Hims was the sole company that did not offer me GLP-1 meds, even though it accepted my exaggerated weight without verification. It recommended, instead, a combination of the glucose-regulating drug metformin, vitamin B12, the antidepressant bupropion, and naltrexone, a drug used to reduce cravings. It did not permit me to go back to change my answers in a bid to qualify for a GLP-1 medication.

But along with the praise it has received, people have also shared the various types of discomfort they have felt after taking the medicine, which is normally used to treat Type 2 diabetes and obesity. She gets the drug from Mindful Weight Loss, a mostly telehealth-based operation led by physician Vivek Gupta of Manhattan Beach, California. Gupta said he’s prescribed the weight loss drugs to 1,500 patients, with about 60% using compounded versions from a 503A pharmacy.

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