Generic Semaglutide Availability Set to Expand
The prescription referral service PharmaGiant.com has announced an expansion of its generic medication catalog, which will soon include generic semaglutide. The company's move aims to increase access to affordable medications as prescription drug costs continue to rise in the United States.
Semaglutide, the active ingredient in blockbuster drugs Ozempic and Wegovy, is protected by a complex web of patents. While U.S. patents for the drug are not expected to expire until at least 2031, key international patents are lapsing much sooner. Several countries, including China, India, and Brazil, will see patents expire in 2026, opening the door for generic competition in those markets. In Canada, a core patent was allowed to lapse, with generic manufacturers like Sandoz preparing to launch their versions as early as 2026, potentially at a 70% discount. The high demand for semaglutide for both diabetes and weight loss has strained supply and led to widespread off-label use. In 2023, sales for Ozempic and its sister drug Wegovy generated approximately $18.5 billion for manufacturer Novo Nordisk. In the United States, the high cost, with a list price of nearly $1,000 a month for Ozempic, has led some patients to turn to compounding pharmacies. However, the FDA has warned that these compounded versions are not FDA-approved and may carry safety risks. Novo Nordisk has been actively defending its patents, filing lawsuits against companies selling compounded versions and engaging in legal battles with generic manufacturers. In October 2024, the company reached settlements with several major generic drug makers, likely including agreements on future U.S. market entry dates.
