China-based Huadong Medicine Co., Ltd (SHE: 000963) has announced that it has received additional indication approval from the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) for its biosimilar version of Novo Nordisk’s (NYSE: NVO) Victoza (liraglutide). This glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist is now approved for use in weight loss management.
Expanding the Use of Huadong’s Liraglutide Biosimilar
Huadong’s biosimilar version of Victoza was initially approved in March 2023 for the treatment of type 2 diabetes in China, where Victoza is also registered for diabetes treatment. This latest approval marks a significant expansion, as Huadong’s liraglutide becomes the first and only product of its kind approved for the treatment of obesity in China.
Implications for Obesity Treatment in China
The NMPA’s approval of Huadong’s liraglutide biosimilar for obesity treatment addresses a significant unmet medical need. Obesity is a growing public health concern, and the availability of a GLP-1 receptor agonist for this indication offers a new therapeutic option for patients seeking to manage their weight.-Fineline Info & Tech
