Wegovy Now Available to 180 Million Obese in China at $194, Also Not Covered by Insurance

Priced at $194 per dose, helps patients lose 10% of body weight but is not covered by China's healthcare system.

By Thea Felicity

Nov 19 2024, 11:12 AM EST

Weight-Loss Drug Wegovy Approved For Heart Health Under Medicare Despite — CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - APRIL 24: In this photo illustration, the injectable weight-loss medication Wegovy is available at New City Halstead Pharmacy on April 24, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois. More than 3 million people with Medicare could be eligible for the difficult-to-find and expensive weight-loss drug under new guidance which can cover the medication for patients who are obese or those who have a history of heart disease and are at risk of a heart attack or stroke. Scott Olson/Getty Images

Novo Nordisk is preparing for Eli Lilly's availability in China now that Wegovy has been approved in the country. Like how Wegovy is not covered by the US healthcare system, it is also only prescribed outside of insurance coverage in the third-largest nation on the planet.

In June, the company received clearance from local health regulators to allow the blockbuster Wegovy weight-loss pill in China. The move comes as the company faces increasing competition with its rival Eli Lilly, whose weight-loss treatment was approved earlier this year but still hasn't hit the Chinese market.

According to BBC, Wegovy opens up access to a weight-loss solution for over 180 million people in China living with obesity. Containing the primary active ingredient called semaglutide, the medication is intended to help patients lose weight by regulating blood sugar levels, suppressing appetite, and leaving them feeling fuller.

Wegovy shares many traits of one of Novo Nordisk's drugs used to treat type 2 diabetes under the name Ozempic.

Preliminary studies have shown that the drug causes a loss of body weight by more than 10% among patients who are afflicted with obesity.

How Much is Wegovy in China?

Wegovy would sell for 1,400 yuan ($194) per dose of four injections in China.

However, patients will have to pay the full price since the drug has not yet been included in the national healthcare insurance system. This is much cheaper compared to the US, where an entire month's supply could cost around $1,349, which caused a senate hearing over its high pricing, per VCPost.

Despite a hefty price tag, Wegovy is likely to enjoy popularity in China in the coming years with a growing necessity for weight-loss solutions.

Although Wegovy has become a craze around the world, from Elon Musk to celebrities, it has side effects as well. According to certain studies, users also experience nausea and vomiting, and patients may gain weight after discontinuing the treatment. However, considering potential side effects, Wegovy is still being used because it is safe and effective for those who suffer from obesity.

Novo Nordisk's success with Wegovy has pushed the company to become Europe's most valuable business, with a market value that has surpassed $500 billion, Fortune reported. With the entry of Wegovy into China, the availability of this drug will substantially expand to more countries soon.