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Ozempic Patents Expire: Generics Set to Slash Drug Costs Globally
15 Jan
Summary
- Ozempic patents are expiring worldwide, opening doors for generic competition.
- Generic versions could lower the monthly cost of semaglutide to as low as $15.
- Canada, China, India, and Brazil are among the first countries to see generic influx.
The global patent expiration for semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy, is set to dramatically increase worldwide access to the drug. Dozens of manufacturers are preparing to launch generic versions in numerous countries as patents lapse.
This competition is anticipated to trigger a significant price reduction, with monthly costs potentially falling to as low as $15 in some markets. Patients in countries like Canada, China, India, and Brazil, where patents are expiring, are expected to benefit first from this affordability.
While Novo Nordisk faces challenges from generic rivals and competitors like Eli Lilly, the company stated that patent expiry is a natural part of a drug's lifecycle and sees "substantial opportunities" for innovation. Regulators will face the challenge of monitoring the quality and side effects of these new generic versions entering the market.
