Pfizer’s GLP-1 candidate ecnoglutide passed the National Healthcare Security Administration's preliminary review for China’s national medical insurance catalogue.
Inclusion in the world’s second-largest economy would significantly expand patient access for weight management and type II diabetes treatments.
The national reimbursement list typically increases sales volume while requiring manufacturers to accept lower prices through state negotiations.
Final review stages later this year could position Pfizer to compete with GLP-1 treatments from Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly.
Competitor Innovent, whose drug also passed the preliminary review, stated that only the diabetes indication is currently considered for coverage.