Danish pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk has moved a step closer to launching an oral version of its weight-loss drug Wegovy in China.
China’s drug regulator has accepted the company’s application for the oral treatment, according to Reuters. The application will now go through the regulatory review process.
The move comes as Novo Nordisk seeks to strengthen its position in China’s growing market for obesity treatments. The Danish company faces increasing competition from US pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly, as well as Chinese drugmakers.
Wegovy is currently available as an injection and contains the active ingredient semaglutide. Novo Nordisk is developing an oral version that could offer patients an alternative to injections.
China has become an important market for treatments for obesity and related health conditions. Novo Nordisk has previously expanded its presence in the country, where it has operated for more than 30 years.
The acceptance of the application does not mean that the oral version of Wegovy has been approved for sale in China. It still needs to complete the regulatory review before a potential launch.
