A report from Reuters found that Chinese drugmaker Hangzhou Jiuyuan Gene Engineering is working on a biosimilar to Novo Nordisk’s semaglutide (Ozempic and Wegovy). Semaglutide has gained a lot of traction around the world in the past couple years, particularly in the US, as a popular treatment for type 2 diabetes and obesity.
The move could pose challenges to the originator manufacturer’s planned expansion into China as patents for Ozempic are not set to expire until 2026. Chinese sales of drug soared in 2023, reaching nearly $700 million; however, the demand is largely driven by people seeking weight loss.
Approval for Hangzhou Jiuyuan Gene Engineering’s biosimilar, named Jiyoutai, would make it China’s first locally developed biosimilar semaglutide drug. However, Novo Nordisk has expressed concerns about the impact of cheap copies of Ozempic on its business in China, emphasizing the importance of innovation protection to encourage the development of new medicines.
Hangzhou Jiuyuan Gene Engineering conducted a late-stage clinical trial comparing its semaglutide injection with Ozempic. Despite the potential launch of Jiyoutai, the company acknowledged that commercialization would depend on the outcome of Novo Nordisk’s patent status on Ozempic.
In related news, Novo also faced challenges with Ozempic supply shortages in Europe, with starter kits unavailable in Germany during the second quarter.
The text above is owned by the site above referred.
Here is only a small part of the article, for more please follow the link
Also see:
Manostaxx – Industrial Management Consulting
