Canada has become the first G7 country to approve a generic version of the blockbuster drug Ozempic, offering hope to millions of patients struggling with high costs.
Health Canada has greenlit generics from India's Dr. Reddy's and Canadian firm Apotex, with prices expected to be less than one-third of the brand-name drug. The move has already forced Novo Nordisk to lower its prices in Canada.
For patients like Elizabeth Doran, a retired teacher from Ottawa, the generics are life-changing. She previously paid up to C$500 per month out of pocket for Wegovy. "By taking this drug, I'm probably saving the healthcare system a lot of money," she said.
Meanwhile, Americans face a much longer wait. Experts say the main patent protecting semaglutide in the US does not expire until December 2031, with generics not expected until 2032. Novo Nordisk's patent lapsed earlier in Canada after the company failed to renew it.
Some Americans are already looking north. In 2023, British Columbia restricted Ozempic exports after finding 15% of prescriptions went to US patients through Canadian online pharmacies.
Tahir Amin of I-MAK, a drug patent reform group, called the US patent system the "Golden Egg" of big pharma, shielded by aggressive lobbying and litigation. Novo Nordisk recently sued Hims and Hers over compounded semaglutide sales.
Canadian patients are celebrating the change. Esther Linetsky, who rationed free samples of Ozempic, said generics mean she can use the drugs as intended. For now, the price divide between Canada and the US remains stark.