Health Canada approves 1st generic version of Novo Nordisk’s Ozempic – CBC

This means cheaper versions of the drug will soon be available

Apr 28, 2026

Health Canada ‌​approved on Tuesday the first generic ​version of ​Danish ⁠drugmaker ⁠Novo ‌Nordisk’s Ozempic drug.

In a news release, the department said the submission for a generic semaglutide injection by Indian drugmaker Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories has been approved. After a “thorough review of evidence,” Health Canada said it found that the drug met safety, efficacy and quality standards.

“I think it’s a great thing,” said Dr. Kaberi Dasgupta, a physician-scientist and professor of medicine at McGill University.

“These medications are quite expensive and we know with generics, it brings down the prices substantially.”

Patients and doctors have long been awaiting a generic version of the drug, which many Canadians use for Type 2 diabetes and weight loss. A recent survey suggested about three million Canadian adults are currently taking GLP-1 drugs, such as Ozempic or Mounjaro, and that many more would like to, but cost is a barrier.

Read more: https://www.cbc.ca/news/health/ozempic-generic-health-canada-9.7180566