Abbott and Novo Expand Semaglutide Partnership Across Asia Pacific With New Brand Launch

Abbott and Novo are expanding their collaboration in diabetes care through a new agreement to commercialize Plosbrio® (semaglutide) across Singapore and additional Asia Pacific markets. The partnership is intended to broaden regional access to semaglutide-based treatment for adults with type 2 diabetes as the prevalence of the disease continues to rise.

Under the agreement, Abbott will handle promotion and distribution of Plosbrio, which is developed and manufactured by Novo. The product is a second brand of Ozempic®, providing another commercial channel for the originator semaglutide molecule in the region.

The arrangement combines Novo’s experience in diabetes medicines and GLP-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA) therapies with Abbott’s established healthcare infrastructure and commercial reach across Asia Pacific. Abbott’s diabetes portfolio spans pharmaceuticals, diagnostics, continuous glucose monitoring and specialized nutrition products.

Semaglutide is indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise for adults with type 2 diabetes. Clinical evidence has demonstrated reductions in glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), weight loss and a lower risk of cardiovascular and kidney events in this patient population.

The companies also point to semaglutide’s extensive clinical and commercial history, with more than 58 million patient-years of exposure across semaglutide products. According to the announcement, more than 32 million people worldwide have used semaglutide for diabetes management and weight control.

Karim Elmashad, Divisional Vice President of Abbott’s medicines business in Asia Pacific, says the agreement builds on the company’s efforts to improve access to newer diabetes treatments in a region where availability of advanced therapies remains uneven. He noted that combining Novo’s pharmaceutical expertise with Abbott’s regional presence could help extend treatment options to more patients.

Jay Thyagarajan, Senior Vice President for Asia Pacific at Novo, says the collaboration represents a multi-country approach to expanding access to semaglutide and builds on the companies’ shared experience in chronic disease management.

The latest agreement adds to an existing relationship between the two organizations. Abbott already commercializes Extensior®, another semaglutide brand, in India for adults with type 2 diabetes. The companies have also worked together since 2019 to integrate Abbott’s FreeStyle Libre® continuous glucose monitoring technology with Novo’s connected insulin pens, allowing patients and healthcare professionals to access glucose and insulin data through connected diabetes management tools.

Abbott also cited real-world evidence suggesting that combining FreeStyle Libre technology with GLP-1 therapy may contribute to improved HbA1c outcomes and treatment adherence. However, Plosbrio and FreeStyle Libre remain separate products and are not marketed or supplied as a combined offering. Treatment decisions remain with healthcare professionals.

The expansion comes as diabetes places increasing demands on healthcare systems throughout Asia Pacific. More than 107 million adults in Southeast Asia currently live with diabetes, with that number projected to reach 185 million by 2050. Earlier disease onset, faster progression and an increased risk of cardiovascular and kidney complications are among the challenges facing the region.

By extending the commercial reach of semaglutide, the companies aim to address some of the treatment access gaps affecting people with type 2 diabetes while building on broader efforts to improve chronic disease management. Plosbrio availability will vary by country and remains subject to local regulatory approvals, registration requirements and launch planning.

For more information, visit www.novonordisk.com.