Chia Tai Tianqing Pharma has submitted a filing with China's National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) for a semaglutide biosimilar injection developed by its subsidiary Lianyungang Runzhong Pharmaceutical. Semaglutide is a long-acting GLP-1 receptor agonist used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes (T2D) and, in other markets, for chronic weight management. The drug works by stimulating insulin secretion, suppressing glucagon release, delaying gastric emptying and reducing appetite, offering significant glycaemic control, weight loss and cardiovascular benefits.

The originator product, developed by Novo Nordisk, achieved global sales of USD 25.5 billion in the first three quarters of 2025. The Chinese market for semaglutide biosimilars and follow-on biologics is becoming increasingly competitive, with Biocytogen's submission being the tenth domestic filing for the molecule.

According to PharmCube's NextBiopharm® database,  other major Chinese pharmaceutical companies including CSPC Pharma, Qilu Pharmaceutical, and Huadong Medicine, have also entered the race. Click here to request a free trial for NextBiopharm®.