Eli Lilly`s diabetes drug enters China`s health insurance list

Eli Lilly’s diabetes drug Mounjaro will join China’s national health insurance reimbursement list on Jan. 1, according to a government notice published on Sunday.

The move will expand public access to the once-weekly injection in a country with 1.4 billion people. Wider use typically increases sales volume for drugmakers, though negotiated prices often decline after inclusion on the list.

Mounjaro entered the Chinese market in January after earlier availability of Ozempic, a similar therapy from Novo Nordisk launched in 2021. Ozempic was added to China’s reimbursement list in 2022. Sales of the drug in greater China reached 5.76 billion Danish crowns in 2024, according to Novo Nordisk’s annual report.

Lilly did not comment on the price set for Mounjaro under the new reimbursement arrangement. The figure is negotiated between the company and Chinese authorities. Mounjaro is also approved in China for obesity and obstructive sleep apnea, broadening its presence beyond diabetes care.

The update follows remarks from Eli Lilly international president Patrik Jonsson, who noted in an October earnings call that markets outside the United States showed “initial stocking” of Mounjaro after launch.

He identified China, Brazil, Mexico and India as key contributors during the second quarter. Jonsson said performance strengthened in those markets in the third quarter and remained strong globally.

The addition of Mounjaro to China’s insurance list underscores growing demand for advanced diabetes treatments in one of the world’s largest healthcare systems. The National Healthcare Security Administration said the listing will take effect at the start of the new year, positioning the therapy for broader uptake across hospitals and retail pharmacies.

The decision places Mounjaro alongside Ozempic as major international diabetes drugs supported by China’s reimbursement scheme.

Analysts expect price negotiations to influence revenue trends, as inclusion typically boosts patient access while reducing per-unit returns for manufacturers. Mounjaro’s expanded reach in China may shape competitive dynamics in a market where diabetes prevalence continues to rise.