In the global race for GLP-1 medications, China is rapidly emerging as a dominant player. On July 3, a public hospital in Beijing started prescribing China’s very first domestically developed GLP-1 drug, mazdutide.
Obesity Drugs in China
Since their FDA approval, GLP-1 receptor agonists like semaglutide and tirzepatide have dramatically transformed the diabetes and obesity treatment landscapes.
In particular, these medications mimic the naturally occurring GLP-1 hormone that regulates appetite and insulin. Therefore, they have shown remarkable results in clinical trials and commercial success.
Notably, the global surge in demand has triggered a fierce race among pharmaceutical companies. While Western giants dominate the market now, China is rapidly closing the gap. As semaglutide’s patent will expire in China by early 2026, it opens a crucial window for local competitors.
Mazdutide Gets China Approval
Innovent Biologics recently received approval for mazdutide, the first China-developed dual GLP-1/glucagon receptor agonist for weight management. Shortly after approval, Peking University People’s Hospital issued the first prescription.
“Chinese manufacturers have no constraints on production capacity,” an industry insider told Yicai Global in an interview.
Meanwhile, another source who took part in the launch of Mazdutide spoke about weight loss drugs’ massive potential in China.
“Because weight-loss drugs are highly consumer-driven, Chinese companies’ strengths in internet-based marketing should boost sales,” he said.
Specifically, mazdutide offers a dual-action mechanism. Unlike single-target drugs, it activates both GLP-1 and glucagon receptors to enhance fat burning and metabolic rate.
China Hotbed for Trials
Several Chinese biotech firms are in late-stage development of GLP-1 therapies. For instance, Innogen Pharmaceuticals expects to complete Phase III trials of efsubaglutide alfa in 2026. Early results show patients lost 7% of body weight in just four weeks.
Meanwhile, Sciwind Biosciences released strong Phase III data on its candidate, ecnoglutide. Patients on high doses lost up to 13.2% of body weight after 48 weeks of treatment.
Furthermore, dual amylin and calcitonin receptor agonists like cagrilintide/semaglutide (CagriSema) combinations have finished their Phase III trials in China.
Overall, these next-gen drugs promise even greater efficacy, especially for patients with severe obesity.
Market Tensions and Opportunities
The Chinese market is competitive but cost-sensitive, with many public hospitals seeking affordable yet effective alternatives to imported drugs. As a result, experts expect domestic players undercut multinational prices post-2026.
More importantly, the stakes are high. According to China’s National Health Commission, they project over 540 million Chinese adults to be overweight by 2030.
In this context, price accessibility becomes essential for public health.
Looking Ahead
China’s Healthy China 2030 initiative calls for lowering obesity rates and increasing access to chronic disease management. Correspondingly, the rise of homegrown GLP-1 drugs supports this vision.
Still, long-term safety data and real-world results will be key for market adoption. Despite impressive short-term efficacy, side effects like nausea and gallbladder risks remain concerns.
Nevertheless, China’s domestic drug rollout and robust pipeline signal a turning point. The nation is shifting from being a follower to a contender in global obesity treatment.
Photo by Owen Cannon on Unsplash
