Novo Nordisk Canada Launches Lower-Priced Copies of Ozempic

Novo Nordisk Canada is set to introduce lower-priced versions of its widely used medications, Ozempic and Wegovy, in a strategic move to compete with upcoming generics. The company received approval from Health Canada on December 22, 2023, for its renamed products, Plosbrio and Poviztra. According to Health Canada spokesperson Mark Johnson, these new drugs are chemically identical to Ozempic and Wegovy, with only the product names and packaging differing.

Health Canada is currently reviewing nine submissions from various pharmaceutical companies aiming to produce generic versions of semaglutide, the active ingredient in both Ozempic and Wegovy. This comes in light of the expiration of Novo Nordisk’s regulatory exclusivity on January 4, 2024, following a lapsed patent. However, experts caution that approval for these generics may take several months due to the complexities involved in their evaluation. Johnson noted that the generics are produced through synthetic processes, unlike Novo Nordisk’s biologically developed products, and must demonstrate equivalent safety and efficacy.

Since Plosbrio and Poviztra share the same formulation as their brand-name counterparts, they bypass the rigorous review process required for generic drugs. The list of companies seeking approval for their generic semaglutide products includes well-known names like Sandoz Canada, Apotex, Teva Canada, Taro Pharmaceuticals, and Aspen Pharmacare Canada.

In a statement, Kate Hanna, spokesperson for Novo Nordisk Canada, confirmed that the company is exploring options to introduce these semaglutide versions to remain competitive in the evolving market. Mina Tadrous, a pharmaceutical policy expert at the University of Toronto, described the approach as “an interesting play,” suggesting it allows Novo Nordisk to navigate Canada’s pricing structure effectively.

Tadrous explained that simply lowering the price of brand-name products would not suffice given the market dynamics, making the introduction of renamed products a strategic move. Shelita Dattani, a pharmacist and health-care consultant, remarked that while this strategy is not unprecedented, it is certainly unusual. She emphasized that any increase in competition—whether from generics or lower-priced branded options—would benefit patients by enhancing access and affordability.

Currently, Ozempic and Wegovy can cost patients hundreds of dollars monthly. However, Hanna noted that many Canadians do not pay these prices out of pocket, as Ozempic is covered by most private insurance plans and included in all government-sponsored drug plans for adults with Type 2 diabetes. Although Wegovy lacks government coverage, it is well-supported by private insurance, and the company is actively working to expand accessibility for Canadians struggling with obesity.

In an interview with The Canadian Press in December, Vince Lamanna, president of Novo Nordisk Canada, stated that over one million patients in Canada rely on these medications. He highlighted the company’s commitment to providing financial support to patients lacking insurance coverage, reinforcing the importance of affordability in medication access.

As Novo Nordisk prepares to enter this competitive landscape, the implications for patients and the broader pharmaceutical market remain significant. The move reflects a proactive strategy to maintain relevance in a sector increasingly populated by generics, ultimately aiming to enhance the accessibility of essential diabetes and weight-loss treatments.