Biocon, an Indian pharmaceutical company, is on the hunt for a Chinese partner to help them test generic versions of Novo Nordisk’s highly successful diabetes medication Ozempic and weight-loss treatment Wegovy. Biocon’s ultimate goal is to launch these generic versions globally, and they see China as a crucial market for clinical trials involving over 500 patients.
Amit Kaptain, Biocon’s head of commercial active pharmaceutical ingredients business, explained that the company is seeking a Chinese partner due to the significant financial investment required for clinical trials in the country. Kaptain estimated the cost to be around $12 to $15 million. Earlier this year, Biocon’s CEO revealed that the company was preparing to conduct a clinical trial in China if necessary.
Biocon’s generic versions of Ozempic and Wegovy are set to join a growing list of at least 15 other generics or biosimilars currently under development by Chinese drugmakers. These companies are all gearing up for the expiration of patent protection on semaglutide, a key ingredient in both drugs, which is scheduled for early 2026 in China.
At least two local Chinese firms have already submitted applications to begin commercial sales of their own semaglutide-based products.
The immense demand for Wegovy and Ozempic, which is sometimes used unofficially for weight loss, has propelled Novo Nordisk to become one of Europe’s most valuable companies.
China’s obesity epidemic provides a strong market for these drugs. A 2020 study by Chinese public health researchers projects that the number of overweight and obese adults in China will reach 540 million and 150 million, respectively, by 2030. These figures represent a staggering 2.8 and 7.5 times increase from 2000 levels. Biocon’s move to partner with a Chinese company for clinical trials highlights the strategic importance of the Chinese market in the race to develop and sell generic versions of these blockbuster drugs.
