In a groundbreaking move, Novo Nordisk has introduced its revolutionary weight-loss drug Wegovy to the Thai market, marking its first foray into Southeast Asia. This injectable medication, which first hit the market in 2021, has garnered immense popularity, propelling Novo Nordisk to the status of Europe's most valuable listed company, with a peak value of $615 billion.
Wegovy, already available in over a dozen countries, including the United States, Japan, and China, has now found its way to Thailand following approval by the Thai FDA in 2023. Enrico Canal Bruland, Vice President and General Manager of Novo's Thai subsidiary, confirmed the launch, positioning Wegovy ahead of competitor Eli Lilly's Zepbound weight loss drug.
With 42% of Thailand's adult population classified as obese and a concerning rise in obesity rates among school children, Novo Nordisk's entrance into the market is a significant development. The company's investment of approximately 500 million Thai baht in clinical trials in Thailand underscores its commitment to combating the obesity epidemic in the region.
Wegovy, sharing the active ingredient with Novo Nordisk's diabetes drug Ozempic, is now available for prescription in private hospitals across Thailand and will soon be accessible in public hospitals. This strategic move aligns with Novo's mission to address the economic impact of obesity, with health-related costs and productivity loss accounting for approximately 1% of the country's GDP.
Through the introduction of Wegovy, Novo Nordisk aims to catalyze positive change in Thailand's health landscape, offering a cutting-edge solution to combat obesity and ultimately reshape the nation's health outcomes.