Novo Nordisk has launched its weight-loss drug Wegovy in China after it was approved by local health authorities in June. It is set to intensify competition with rival Eli Lilly, whose popular weight-loss treatment also got the green light months ago but has yet to go on sale in the world's second largest pharmaceutical market.

Novo Nordisk gained approval for Wegovy in China in June, and will initially target Chinese patients willing to pay out-of-pocket for the weekly injectable drug

In the United Kingdom, the government is hoping weight loss drugs might improve public finances, eyeing their use to help unemployed people re-enter the workforce and ultimately save money on health care.

Wegovy is being made available to Chinese patients five months after its approval in the country. Novo will sell the medicine for about $193.27 for a one-month supply.

Researchers looked at the health records of 17 million Americans with obesity and determined that between 2022 and 2023, rates of bariatric surgeries dropped by 25%, while prescriptions for weight-loss drugs more than doubled.

U.S. government health plans account for the lion's share of coverage for popular new weight-loss drugs, far beyond the reimbursement available from private employers and insurers, according to an analysis shared with Reuters.

Novo Nordisk (NVO) has reportedly launched its popular weight-loss drug Wegovy in China ahead of a rival drug by Eli Lilly (LLY). Read more here.

Novo Nordisk said on Monday it has launched its popular obesity drug Wegovy in China, the world's second-largest pharmaceuticals market. A spokesperson for the Danish drugmaker confirmed the news to Reuters after it was first reported by China-based financial media outlet Yicai.