BMJ: Canada Second Country Globally to Approve Generic Semaglutide

Canada has become only the second country in the world to approve a generic form of semaglutide, the active ingredient in Novo Nordisk's Ozempic brand, according to a report published in The BMJ on 19 May 2026.

What the BMJ reported

The BMJ noted that two generic versions of the injectable semaglutide product were authorized by Health Canada in recent weeks: one from India's Dr. Reddy's Laboratories and one from Canadian manufacturer Apotex. Seven additional applications remain under Health Canada review.

The BMJ reported that the Dr. Reddy's generic became available in Canada on 15 May, while the Apotex version did not yet have a release date at the time of publication. Erez Israeli, chief executive of Dr. Reddy's, was quoted in a company press release describing the company as "the first company to receive market authorisation for generic semaglutide injection in Canada".

According to the BMJ, the Canadian approvals were made possible because Novo Nordisk did not pay a C$250 annual fee to maintain its patent listing in Canada.

Novo Nordisk responds with savings card

Global News reported that Novo Nordisk announced a reduced price for its brand-name Ozempic for certain Canadians, positioning the discount as "aligning their medication costs with generic alternatives". Eligible Canadians without public or private coverage can access the reduced price using a Novo Nordisk Savings Card at participating pharmacies across Canada, excluding Quebec, with the discount applied automatically at Novo Nordisk Care Rx operated by Rexall.

Iain Graham, general manager at Novo Nordisk Canada, said in the company's statement: "We are dedicated to ensuring that eligible patients who choose Ozempic can stay on the brand because of these additional savings".

Pricing context

Apotex has stated that its generic semaglutide will be approximately one-third the price of Novo Nordisk's brand-name Ozempic. A spokesperson for Dr. Reddy's declined to disclose pricing details beyond saying it will be "competitive".

Global News reported that Ozempic and Wegovy currently cost hundreds of dollars a month, in some cases more than $450 depending on the dosage dispensed. Current verified pharmacy listings on GLP1Prices.ca show Ozempic ranging from CAD $149 to $663 and Wegovy ranging from CAD $270 to $550 across Canadian pharmacies.

Global backdrop for Novo Nordisk

The Guardian reported that Novo Nordisk forecast 2026 sales to fall between 5% and 13%, ending years of double-digit gains. The company's share price fell 17% on the day of the forecast, and has lost nearly 50% of its value over the past year.

Chief executive Mike Doustdar was quoted saying: "Our 2026 guidance reflects a year of unprecedented pricing pressure". The Guardian reported that Novo will retain patent protection for semaglutide in Europe and Japan until 2033, and in the United States until 2032.

By contrast, Eli Lilly, maker of Mounjaro and Zepbound, forecast 2026 sales between $80 billion and $83 billion, up from $65 billion the prior year.

What Canadians can watch

• Rollout of Dr. Reddy's and Apotex generic semaglutide across Canadian pharmacies (see our generic semaglutide tracker).
• Health Canada decisions on the seven remaining generic applications.
• Whether private plans will substitute to generics, as discussed in our insurance coverage checker and FAQ.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.

Sources

• Ozempic generic approved in Canada after Novo Nordisk ...
• Novo Nordisk will slash Ozempic price for some, 'aligning' ...
• Wegovy and Ozempic maker forecasts sharp drop in ...