SHANGHAI (Reuters) – Eli Lilly announced Friday that its weight loss drug tirzepatide has received Tirzepatide China approval from Chinese regulators. This approval intensifies competition with Novo Nordisk in the key Asian market.
Novo’s weight loss drug Wegovy received approval in China, the world’s second-largest economy and a major market for obesity solutions. This approval boosted Novo’s share price, highlighting the high demand in a country with many overweight or obese individuals. #TirzepatideChinaApproval
A spokesperson for Eli Lilly did not comment on the Tirzepatide China approval sales start or dose supply details. Tirzepatide, the active ingredient in Mounjaro and Zepbound, is now approved in China.
Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk are boosting production in the weight-loss market, expected to surpass $100 billion by decade’s end. Both companies offer obesity treatments that fall under GLP-1 agonists, initially developed for diabetes. This competition highlights the growing importance and potential of the weight-loss sector in the global healthcare market. #TirzepatideChinaApproval
GLP-1 drugs help patients lose up to 20% of their weight, fueling unparalleled demand.
The drug, also an active ingredient in the diabetes medication Mounjaro, now addresses both weight loss and diabetes management needs in China. This move underscores Eli Lilly’s commitment to tackling global health challenges.
