With its GLP-1 analog already a stalwart in type 2 diabetes and weight loss, Novo Nordisk is investigating semaglutide as monotherapy and in combination regimens to treat non-alcoholic steatohepatitis.

Twelve applications with September goal dates include six novel agents but only one breakthrough designation.

The third quarter could bring US approvals for a range of novel drugs, including the first treatment for a common eye disease, the first US approval of PD-1/L1 inhibitor from a Chinese firm, and the first oral therapy for postpartum depression.

The rate of growth of the pharma pipeline slowed last year as oncology and rare diseases tightened their grip on R&D. There are also further signs of China’s rise in importance in the industry.