Health Canada is currently assessing nine generic submissions for popular weight loss medications, which experts believe could lead to cost reductions. These submissions pertain to generic versions of semaglutide, the key ingredient in Novo Nordisk’s Ozempic and Wegovy drugs, approved by Health Canada for diabetes and weight loss. Semaglutide belongs to the glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) class of therapies, mimicking a natural gut hormone to regulate blood sugar, slow digestion, and increase satiety. Common side effects of semaglutide include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach discomfort, with additional possibilities of fatigue, constipation, and headaches.
Canada stands out as the sole country where Novo Nordisk’s patent for semaglutide drugs has expired, allowing for the end of regulatory exclusivity on Jan. 4. Consequently, Canada may become the first nation to offer more affordable versions of Ozempic and Wegovy to prescription holders, although immediate availability is unlikely, as suggested by pharmaceutical experts.
The U.S. has recently approved a pill form of Wegovy, with Novo Nordisk introducing it as a starter dose, set to be followed by higher doses soon. While inquiries about the availability of Wegovy pills in Canada led Novo Nordisk to its U.S. media release, Health Canada did not confirm the receipt of any application for a pill form of Wegovy or a generic pill version from Novo Nordisk.
Generic drugs, according to Health Canada, are equivalent to brand-name medications, subject to rigorous safety, quality, and effectiveness evaluations before authorization. Generic semaglutide approval presents challenges due to their biological complexity, compared to the simpler chemical processes used in creating generic versions. Pricing factors, such as formulation type, dosing, and market competition, influence the affordability of generic drugs, with expectations for cheaper versions to potentially become available, possibly by summer.
Patients currently paying $200 to $400 monthly for GLP-1 medications for weight loss in Canada may benefit from upcoming cheaper alternatives, estimated to cost between $100 and $150 per month. The introduction of generics is expected to enhance accessibility, especially for individuals without insurance coverage, aligning with efforts to address obesity prevalence among Canadians. Several companies, including Sandoz Canada, Apotex, Teva Canada, Taro Pharmaceuticals, and Aspen Pharmacare Canada, are seeking Health Canada’s review for generic submissions, aiming to expand the availability of cost-effective weight loss treatments.
