China’s Supreme Court Upholds Semaglutide Patent for Novo Nordisk

China’s Supreme People’s Court has issued a favorable ruling for Novo Nordisk A/S regarding the intellectual property rights of the semaglutide compound patent. The decision, announced on December 31, 2025, upholds a prior judgment by the Beijing IP Court, affirming the patent’s validity.

"This outcome is very positive for semaglutide and demonstrates firm government support for protecting medical innovation", said Mike Doustdar, president and CEO of Novo Nordisk. "This decision also strengthens confidence for foreign companies’ sustainable development in China and will motivate further development and introduction of innovative medicines for the benefit of patients."

Semaglutide, a long-acting glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) analogue, is a cornerstone of Novo Nordisk’s product portfolio. It serves as the main ingredient in Wegovy, used to treat overweight and obesity, as well as in Ozempic and Rybelsus, which are aimed at managing type 2 diabetes. The compound has achieved widespread clinical recognition, with approximately 38 million patient-years of use since its launch.

Despite the ruling, Novo Nordisk has stated that the upcoming expiration of the semaglutide compound patent in certain countries within its International Operations is expected to have a low-single-digit negative impact on global sales growth in 2026. The company emphasized that this decision does not alter its previous projections regarding this matter.

Founded in 1923 and headquartered in Bagsværd, Denmark, Novo Nordisk is a global healthcare company dedicated to combating chronic diseases, particularly diabetes. The company employs approximately 78,500 people across 80 countries and markets its products in around 170 nations.

With this ruling, Novo Nordisk has bolstered its position in the Chinese market, reaffirming the nation’s commitment to protecting intellectual property and fostering innovation in the pharmaceutical sector.

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