Canadians could access more affordable generic versions of popular weight-loss and diabetes drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy as early as January 2026, as Novo Nordisk's price protection expires. Medical experts anticipate prices could drop significantly, potentially to $100 from $400 monthly, if multiple manufacturers enter the market. Health Canada approval for these biosimilars is pending, and their availability is expected to ease supply chain pressures and increase accessibility for patients.
Canadians could get more affordable version of Ozempic in early 2026. Here's how
CanadaOntarioTorontoHealthMedicationDiabetesObesity
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TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️Canadians could access more affordable generic versions of popular weight-loss and diabetes drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy as early as January 2026, as Novo Nordisk's price protection expires. Medical experts anticipate prices could drop significantly, potentially to $100 from $400 monthly, if multiple manufacturers enter the market. Health Canada approval for these biosimilars is pending, and their availability is expected to ease supply chain pressures and increase accessibility for patients.
Trending- 1 2023: Nearly 33% of Canadians (10.6 million) were obese.
- 2 January 2026 (as early as): Novo Nordisk's price protection on Ozempic and Wegovy expires in Canada, opening door for generics.
- 3 January 2026 (as early as): Generic versions of semaglutide drugs could be on the market in Canada, pending Health Canada approval.
- Increased affordability and accessibility of semaglutide medications for obesity and diabetes patients
- Potential relief of supply chain pressures
- Shift in pharmaceutical market dynamics
What: More affordable generic versions of Ozempic and Wegovy (semaglutide) are expected to be available in Canada as early as January 2026, potentially reducing monthly costs significantly.
When: January (as early as, for generic availability), 2026 (early), 2023 (Canadians obese data), July 15, 2025 (article published)
Where: Canada, Ontario, Toronto, Quebec
Why: Novo Nordisk's price protection on Ozempic and Wegovy expires in Canada in January 2026, opening the market for generic manufacturers. This aims to address the "prohibitive" cost of the drugs and improve accessibility for patients.
How: Several companies are developing or starting paperwork for biosimilar versions of semaglutide. Health Canada approval is required, but new clinical trials are not, potentially allowing quick market entry. Public and private insurance plans are expected to cover the generic versions.