Danish pharmaceutical giant Novo Nordisk rolled out its weight-loss treatment Wegovy in Thailand, marking its inaugural entry into Southeast Asia as the region grapples with surging obesity rates, Reuters reported.
The injectable drug, which catapulted Novo to become Europe’s most valuable listed firm last year, is now available in private hospitals nationwide, with plans to expand to public healthcare facilities shortly.
Wegovy’s launch follows Thai regulatory approval in 2023, positioning Novo ahead of competitor Eli Lilly, whose rival drug Zepbound has yet to debut in the region. Enrico Canal Bruland, vice president of Novo Nordisk Thailand, confirmed the move but declined to disclose pricing details for the 66 million-population market.
The company has invested 500 million baht (€13,1 million) in local clinical trials over four years, underscoring its long-term commitment.
Thailand’s obesity epidemic – with 42% of adults and 15% of children classified as obese – presents a critical market for the drug. Bruland highlighted the economic toll, noting obesity-related healthcare costs and productivity losses consume 1% of GDP annually.
We believe with this innovation, we can make a big difference and hopefully bend this curve.
The launch signals Novo’s aggressive expansion in Asia-Pacific, where obesity rates are climbing rapidly due to dietary shifts and sedentary lifestyles. While Wegovy is now accessible in over a dozen countries, including the US, Japan, and China, its Southeast Asian debut could set a template for neighbouring markets like Indonesia and Malaysia, where regulatory discussions are reportedly ongoing.
