Why Canada has generic Ozempic, and the US doesn't
Summary
Canada recently approved generic versions of the diabetes and weight-loss drug Ozempic, making it the first G7 country to do so. This has led to much lower prices in Canada, while in the US, cheap generic versions are not expected for several more years due to patent protections.Key Facts
- Canada approved generic semaglutide (the active ingredient in Ozempic) in May, with generics expected in pharmacies by June.
- The generics will cost less than one-third of the price of the brand-name drugs.
- Ozempic and Wegovy are popular drugs used for type 2 diabetes and weight loss; Wegovy is prescribed off-label for weight loss.
- In the US, Ozempic costs over $1,000 per month for uninsured patients, and low-cost generics are not expected until about 2032.
- Canada’s approval follows India’s earlier approval of many low-cost generic versions, which caused price cuts by Novo Nordisk there.
- Two companies have generic semaglutide approved in Canada: Dr Reddy’s (India-based) and Apotex (Canadian).
- Dr Reddy’s has applied for generic approval in over 80 countries but not the US, UK, or Europe.
- Patent laws in the US and Europe allow drug makers to extend monopolies to delay generic competition, which affects when generics become available.
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