Novo Nordisk may offer renamed lower-price Ozempic to compete with generics

Health Canada approved Plosbrio and Poviztra on Dec. 22 and said they are identical to Ozempic and Wegovy except for name and packaging; Novo Nordisk Canada says it is considering introducing a version of semaglutide to compete with generics once they enter the Canadian market.

Novo Nordisk Canada is considering introducing renamed, lower-priced versions of its semaglutide drugs as generic competitors approach the market. Health Canada approved the company’s submissions for Plosbrio and Poviztra on Dec. 22. Officials said those products are identical to Ozempic and Wegovy except for product names and packaging. The discussion follows the lapse of patent protections and multiple applications from other companies to market generic semaglutide. Key facts: - Health Canada approved Plosbrio and Poviztra on Dec. 22 and said there are no changes to formulation or how the drugs work compared with Ozempic and Wegovy. - Health Canada is considering nine submissions from other companies seeking approval for generic semaglutide, the active ingredient in these products. - Sandoz Canada, Apotex, Teva Canada, Taro Pharmaceuticals and Aspen Pharmacare Canada are among the companies listed as having applied for generic approval. - Health Canada said evaluating generic semaglutide is complex because Novo Nordisk’s products were developed using biological processes while the proposed generics are made by chemical means, requiring manufacturers to show any differences do not affect safety, efficacy or quality. - Novo Nordisk Canada said it is "considering introducing a version of semaglutide to compete with generics once they enter the Canadian market." - Experts have cautioned that approvals for generic semaglutide products are unlikely for at least a few months. Summary: The potential introduction of renamed, lower-priced versions would place Novo Nordisk’s products directly into competition with pending generics and could influence pricing dynamics in Canada. Health Canada is reviewing multiple generic submissions and has said those evaluations are complex and may take several months. Undetermined at this time.