China's Obesity Crisis and Pharmaceutical Opportunities
China is confronting a significant obesity crisis, with over half of its population being overweight or obese—a figure expected to rise to two-thirds by 2030. This situation presents a lucrative market for pharmaceutical companies, particularly for weight loss treatments. Novo Nordisk's weight loss drug, Wegovy, has seen substantial success; however, its market dominance in China is at risk as the patent for semaglutide, Wegovy's active ingredient, expires in March 2026. Chinese drugmakers are preparing to enter the market with alternative treatments, reflecting a broader shift in China's pharmaceutical sector towards developing innovative and competitive treatments globally.