Novo Nordisk, a prominent pharmaceutical company, has announced the launch of its anti-obesity drug, Wegovy, in Japan on February 22, marking its first introduction in Asia. Japan will be the sixth country where Wegovy is launched, despite obesity being less prevalent there compared to the West.
In Japan, most patients will bear 30% of the medical expenses for Wegovy, similar to other drug reimbursements. The monthly cost for the drug will be 7,504 Japanese yen (about $50.15) for a 0.25-milligram starter dose, and 42,960 yen for a 2.4 mg dose. Eligibility for Wegovy in Japan is based on specific criteria: a body mass index (BMI) above 35, or a BMI above 27 with two or more obesity-related co-morbidities.
Despite Japan's low obesity rate, with only 4.5% of adults being obese as of 2019, the introduction of Wegovy is seen positively. Professor Wataru Ogawa from Kobe University noted the benefits of reducing overweight symptoms on various medical conditions, including certain cancers and menstrual disorders. He pointed out that East Asian populations, including Japanese, tend to experience negative health effects at lower degrees of obesity compared to Western populations.
Novo Nordisk has faced challenges in meeting the high demand for Wegovy, resulting in limited launches and restrictions on new patient treatments. Prior to Japan, Wegovy was only available in the United States, Britain, Germany, Norway, and Denmark. The drug is a first-to-market in a new class of effective weight-loss medications, but supply constraints might give an edge to rival Eli Lilly, which is poised to launch its Mounjaro weight-loss drug.
Asia Weight Loss Drugs
Novo to Launch Wegovy in Asia with February Roll-Out in Japan
Trend Themes
1. Increased Weight Loss Drug Launches - Novo Nordisk's launch of its anti-obesity drug, Wegovy, in Japan marks its first introduction in Asia, highlighting the increasing availability of weight loss medications worldwide.
2. Positive Response to Drug Introduction in Low Obesity Rate Region - The introduction of Wegovy in Japan, despite the country's low obesity rate, suggests a positive response and potential market for weight loss drugs in regions with lower prevalence of obesity.
3. Health Effects and Treatment Criteria for Weight Loss Medications in East Asian Populations - Professor Wataru Ogawa highlighted the significance of reducing overweight symptoms in East Asian populations and the potential for treating various medical conditions beyond obesity-related co-morbidities.
Industry Implications
1. Pharmaceutical - Novo Nordisk's launch of Wegovy in Japan highlights ongoing advancements in the pharmaceutical industry's approach to weight loss medications and introduces potential opportunities for market expansion.
2. Healthcare - The introduction of Wegovy in Japan raises prospects for the healthcare industry to further address weight management and associated health conditions, potentially leading to innovative treatment approaches.
3. Medical Research - The recognition of differing health effects and treatment criteria for weight loss medications in East Asian populations presents opportunities for medical research to explore tailored approaches and develop new solutions.