Sumitomo Pharma (4506.T), Novo Nordisk (NVO) Win Japan Nod for Wegovy in MASH

Sumitomo Pharma and Novo Nordisk secured Japanese regulatory approval for Wegovy (semaglutide) to treat Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatohepatitis (MASH) on June 19, 2026. This marks the first MASH treatment approved in Japan, with Sumitomo Pharma set to market the drug developed by Novo Nordisk. Wegovy, a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist, is already approved in Japan for obesity and type 2 diabetes. The MASH indication expands its market potential in a country where the disease affects a significant portion of the population. MASH, a severe form of fatty liver disease, affects 3-5% of adults globally. This approval positions Sumitomo Pharma for a new revenue stream and strengthens Novo Nordisk's drug portfolio in the Japanese market.