GEROPHARM has its antiobesity product approved

Semavic® Next from GEROPHARM has been approved in Russia.

Semavic® Next is fully bioequivalent to Wegovy from Novo Nordisk, Denmark, the product unavailable to patients in Russia.

Semavic®, the first product in this line, has been used by physicians and patients since early 2024 and gained a dominant market share, which is evidence of its undisputed quality and convenience of the pen from a European manufacturer. In 2023, Rosstat showed that almost 44 % of Russians aged 19 years and above had a high body mass index or pre-obesity. According to informal estimates, one in three Russians have signs of obesity. This is a chronic recurrent and disabling condition underlying other pathologies such as type 2 diabetes mellitus, and acute and chronic cardiovascular events (strokes, infarctions, etc.).

Semavic® Next is different from the first product in the line by its higher strengths indicated to reduce weight specifically. Semavic® Next contains semaglutide, a synthetic glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) whose action is much longer than that of GLP-1 produced in the body. The longer effect helps improve satiety, reduce hunger between meals, and subdue “food noise,” which is constant snack cravings. The substance is produced by high-tech peptide synthesis and, therefore, is purer and safer.

The new product is expected to be marketed in November 2024.

“Obesity is not a mere aesthetic issue but a health challenge that needs to be addressed comprehensively. Russian patients should have access to advanced and quality therapy and it is our duty as a manufacturer to give them this opportunity,” Petr Rodionov, GEROPHARM chief executive officer says.