SHANGHAI, Feb. 10, 2026 — Shanghai Shiling Pharmaceutical is preparing global clinical trials for a nasal spray that uses the same active ingredient found in Novo Nordisk's Wegovy obesity injection. The company expects to complete trials by 2028, reflecting growing interest in alternatives to weekly injections for weight management.

Shiling said the semaglutide nasal spray would be suitable for long-term use and carry a lower cost than existing semaglutide tablets. The company holds patents across China, the United States, Europe, and Southeast Asia, and it plans to enter major pharmaceutical markets after completing the trials.

Novo Nordisk, whose semaglutide patent in China will expire in March, currently dominates the market with Wegovy. A spokesperson for the Danish company noted that semaglutide patents remain in effect until 2031 or 2032 in Europe and the United States, giving regional competitors time to prepare their own versions.

Chinese Market Shows Appetite for Weight-Loss Treatments

Growing Demand for Obesity Therapies: The Chinese pharmaceutical market has experienced rising demand for effective obesity treatments over the past several years. Patients have increasingly turned to once-weekly injections such as Wegovy, which contain semaglutide. Rising awareness of health risks associated with obesity has also driven interest in treatments that can support long-term weight management.

Domestic Innovation and Alternative Delivery Options: Domestic and international companies are working to offer options that are more convenient and affordable. Shiling’s nasal spray could meet patient needs by providing a non-injection alternative that reduces cost and simplifies treatment. Analysts say that new delivery methods like nasal sprays could expand access for patients who find weekly injections difficult to maintain.

Development Timeline and Regulatory Plans

Shiling plans to conduct clinical trials over the next few years, with completion expected by 2028. The company will submit data to regulators in China and other major markets, seeking approval for widespread use. By testing the spray in multiple regions, Shiling hopes to demonstrate safety and efficacy across diverse populations, which could support faster adoption once regulatory clearance is granted.

Competition with Global Pharmaceutical Companies

International players such as Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk face competition from Chinese drugmakers developing semaglutide-based therapies. The expiration of patents in China is encouraging domestic innovation, as companies race to offer new formulations before global exclusivity ends. Shiling’s strategy focuses on a lower-cost nasal spray that may attract patients seeking easier administration and consistent treatment over time.

Long-Term Implications for Weight Management

If the nasal spray succeeds in trials, it could change how obesity is treated in China and abroad by offering a non-injection option at lower cost. Healthcare providers may gain more flexibility in prescribing semaglutide, and patients may find it easier to maintain treatment schedules. Analysts suggest that new formulations such as nasal sprays could expand access to effective therapies and reshape expectations for convenience in weight management.

Shiling’s move reflects a broader trend in pharmaceuticals where companies explore new delivery methods to simplify treatment and reduce cost. With trials scheduled to finish by 2028, the company is positioning itself to enter global markets at a pivotal moment when patent protections for semaglutide begin to expire. Success could offer an alternative to traditional injections and influence the next generation of weight-management therapies.