Generic versions of semaglutide begin arriving in Canadian pharmacies this week. Health Canada approved these drugs from manufacturers Apotex and Dr. Reddy’s approximately three weeks ago. This launch introduces direct competition to Ozempic, one of Novo Nordisk’s most profitable products in Canada.
The new generics will cost at least 50% less than the brand-name drug under Canada’s pricing structure. One manufacturer stated its product will cost approximately one-third the price of Ozempic. These alternatives follow the expiration of Novo Nordisk’s semaglutide patent in several countries.