Positive outlook for China’s obesity market

China has recently approved the first locally developed obesity drug Xinermei (mazdutide), marking a critical milestone in the country’s obesity treatment landscape.

Backed by a robust late-stage pipeline and differentiated dual-receptor mechanisms, the domestic obesity therapeutics market is set for rapid expansion, driven by innovation, rising disease burden, and a shift toward more accessible, locally developed alternatives to global therapies, according to pharma analytics company GlobalData.

Innovent Biologics’ (HKEX: 01801) Xinermei has a unique mechanism of action targeting dual incretin receptors, selectively binding and activating the glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor, and the glucagon receptor (GCGR). GlobalData forecasts Xinermei to generate $73 million sales this year in China. Although it was developed for the Chinese market by Innovent, mazdutide was licensed from US pharma major Eli Lilly (NYSE: LLY) in March 2020.