Canada Approves Its First Generic Version of Novo’s Ozempic
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Article content(Bloomberg) — Canada has approved its first generic versions of Novo Nordisk A/S’s Ozempic, paving the way for cheaper access to the popular diabetes drugs. Sign In or Create an AccountEmail AddressContinueor View more offersArticle contentOn Tuesday, Health Canada assigned drug identification numbers to semaglutide injections made by India-based Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories Ltd., according to its drug product database. Semaglutide is the main ingredient in Ozempic, and Novo’s protection against generics expired in Canada on Jan. 4. Article contentWe apologize, but this video has failed to load.Try refreshing your browser, ortap here to see other videos from our team.Article contentHealth Canada is currently reviewing eight other submissions for generic semaglutide by different companies, it said in a statement Tuesday. Article contentArticle contentDr Reddy’s said that the Canada approval covers 2mg and 4mg pens. Launch preparations are underway, the company said, but did not give a timeframe. Article contentTop StoriesGet the latest headlines, breaking news and columns.There was an error, please provide a valid email address.Sign UpBy signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.Thanks for signing up!A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder.The next issue of Top Stories will soon be in your inbox.We encountered an issue signing you up. Please try againInterested in more newsletters? Browse here.Article content“Canada remains a priority market for us,” Chief Executive Officer Erez Israeli said in the statement, pledging to ensure a “consistent supply” of GLP-1 treatments for diabetic patients. Article contentDozens of manufacturers have been preparing knockoff versions of Ozempic, with the competition potentially slashing monthly costs to as low as $14 for users in some countries. In March, India was the first major market to roll out generic semaglutide products, prompting Novo Nordisk to cut prices for Ozempic and Wegovy in the country. Article contentCanada had been seen as a testing ground — as well as a significant market in its own right. For example, telehealth company Hims & Hers Health Inc. expanded into the country in December on the prospect of generic approvals.Article contentThe stretch between the patent expiry and drug approval is due in part to a backlog of application reviews at Health Canada. Between 2016 and 2025, the regulator saw a 43% increase in generic drug submissions filed, according to spokesperson Mark Johnson. Complexity has also risen, leading to a 30% increase in the average number of hours needed to review submissions, he said.Article contentIn the Tuesday statement, Health Canada said it completed its review of Dr. Reddy’s submission within its target timeline of 180 days.Article contentThe regulator noted that many generic medications in Canada are 45% to 90% cheaper than the name-brand versions.Article content—With assistance from Satviki Sanjay.Article content(Updates with Dr Reddy’s statement in the fourth and fifth paragraphs.)Article contentTrending What Bank of Canada's Macklem and Fed-nominee Warsh get wrong about productivity and interest rates, says Desjardins Economy What is surveillance pricing and is it coming to a grocery store near you? Retail & Marketing 'Melt-up' risk builds as narrow tech rally propels stock market PMN Business Opinion: Carney’s fiscal update continues Trudeau-era approach to federal finances FP Comment Posthaste: Golden years disappearing as Canadian seniors in the workforce hit all-time high News Share this article in your social networkCommentsYou must be logged in to join the discussion or read more comments.Create an AccountSign in Join the Conversation Postmedia is committed to maintaining a lively but civil forum for discussion. Please keep comments relevant and respectful. Comments may take up to an hour to appear on the site. You will receive an email if there is a reply to your comment, an update to a thread you follow or if a user you follow comments. Visit our Community Guidelines for more information. What Bank of Canada's Macklem and Fed-nominee Warsh get wrong about productivity and interest rates, says Desjardins Economy What is surveillance pricing and is it coming to a grocery store near you? Retail & Marketing 'Melt-up' risk builds as narrow tech rally propels stock market PMN Business Opinion: Carney’s fiscal update continues Trudeau-era approach to federal finances FP Comment Posthaste: Golden years disappearing as Canadian seniors in the workforce hit all-time high News