Novo Nordisk’s Semaglutide Faces Strong Competition: Eli Lilly’s Tirzepatide Officially Launched in China

On December 25, 2024, Eli Lilly’s glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP)/glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist Tirzepatide (brand name: Mounjaro) was officially commercialized in the Chinese market. According to reports, several e-commerce platforms have already launched diagnosis and medication purchasing services for this drug. Tirzepatide is indicated for diabetes and weight loss, with varying prices across different platforms, and specific prices are subject to the final store selected by the user.

Tirzepatide Pricing and Purchasing Channels

On multiple e-commerce platforms, the price of Tirzepatide varies by seller. For example, one internet hospital lists the price for a 0.5ml: 2.5mg × 4 vials at 2480 yuan, approximately 620 yuan per vial, with a guarantee of genuine medication, quick registration, and drug retention services. Another platform shows the same specification priced at 1758 yuan (approximately 440 yuan per vial), but multiple regions indicate out-of-stock status. Additionally, prices on some platforms reach as high as 2580 yuan.

Eli Lilly stated that Mounjaro is a self-paid medication, and specific prices are subject to the pricing of major medical institutions. Regarding supply issues, Eli Lilly China revealed that the company is working hard to ensure drug supply through the expansion of production facilities across multiple locations and continuous production and transportation.

Competitive Advantages of Tirzepatide in the GLP-1 Arena

As Eli Lilly’s flagship product, Tirzepatide forms a "GLP-1 duopoly" globally with Novo Nordisk’s Semaglutide, especially in the fiercely competitive weight loss sector. Tirzepatide for weight loss (Zepbound) generated revenue of $3.018 billion in the first three quarters of 2024. Compared to Semaglutide, Tirzepatide has shown remarkable results in weight loss. Data from a trial on December 4 indicated that over 72 weeks, Zepbound outperformed Novo Nordisk’s weight loss version of Semaglutide (Wegovy) on both primary and secondary endpoints, achieving a 47% greater weight loss effect.

In terms of price competition, Eli Lilly also shows a certain advantage. In the U.S. market, Zepbound was priced at approximately $1059.87 per month upon launch, about 20% cheaper than similar products from Novo Nordisk. Eli Lilly has also introduced a commercial savings plan that significantly reduces patients' medication costs through insurance subsidies.

Competition Between Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk in the Chinese Market

In 2024, the Chinese market has become an important battleground for GLP-1 drugs. In November, Novo Nordisk's weight loss version of Semaglutide was officially commercialized in China, receiving a warm market response. According to information from e-commerce platforms, the price of Semaglutide per vial exceeds 1,000 yuan, with the 1.5ml specification priced at 1396 yuan and the 3ml specification reaching 2706 yuan. In comparison, Tirzepatide's price is slightly higher, but its comprehensive advantages in weight loss and diabetes treatment still attract wide attention.

Eli Lilly emphasized that the company is fully committed to expanding production capacity, with seven factories currently involved in the production of Tirzepatide, planning to increase output to 1.5 times that of the first half of 2023 by the second half of 2024. Meanwhile, Novo Nordisk is also investing in new production facilities globally to meet the growing demand for GLP-1 drugs.

Indications for Use and Precautions

Tirzepatide is suitable for adults with a body mass index (BMI) ≥28 (obesity) or BMI ≥24 (overweight) with comorbidities such as hypertension and dyslipidemia. The weight loss indication for Semaglutide targets patients with a BMI ≥30 or those with a BMI between 27-30 accompanied by at least one weight-related comorbidity. Both drugs should be used under professional evaluation by a physician.

The Obesity Diagnosis and Treatment Guidelines (2024 Edition) published by the National Health Commission remind that GLP-1 drugs may carry the risk of weight rebound after discontinuation. A study based on the U.S. population found that about two-thirds of patients discontinued GLP-1 drugs within a year due to side effects and economic burden. The study also indicated that continued use could sustain weight loss, while discontinuation might lead to varying degrees of rebound.

Strategic Significance of the Chinese Market

With the official launch of Semaglutide and Tirzepatide in the Chinese market, competition between the two pharmaceutical companies has intensified. The rapid growth of the Chinese market will further drive the global performance growth of both Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk. In the future, the commercial success of GLP-1 drugs will depend not only on product efficacy and price but also on production capacity, channel expansion, and market education.