Obesity Canada's Patton, McGill's Dasgupta Weigh Generic Approvals

Following Health Canada's authorization of a second generic semaglutide injection on May 1, 2026, Canadian clinicians and patient advocates are offering mixed reactions, welcoming improved access while cautioning against treating the drugs as a substitute for broader public-health efforts [Source: canada.ca/en/health-canada/news/2026/05/canada-approves-second-generic-semaglutide-the-first-g7-country-to-do-so.html].

Second generic clears Health Canada

Health Canada authorized the second generic semaglutide injection, filed by Canadian-based Apotex, on May 1, 2026, making Canada the first G7 country to approve a generic version of the molecule [Source: canada.ca/en/health-canada/news/2026/05/canada-approves-second-generic-semaglutide-the-first-g7-country-to-do-so.html]. The first generic, from Dr. Reddy's Laboratories, was cleared on April 28, 2026 [Source: cnbc.com/2026/05/07/healthy-returns-novo-nordisk-faces-ozempic-generics-in-canada-.html]. Seven additional submissions remain under review [Source: canada.ca/en/health-canada/news/2026/05/canada-approves-second-generic-semaglutide-the-first-g7-country-to-do-so.html].

Both authorized generics are indicated for the once-weekly treatment of adult patients with type 2 diabetes to manage blood sugar levels [Source: canada.ca/en/health-canada/news/2026/05/canada-approves-second-generic-semaglutide-the-first-g7-country-to-do-so.html]. They are generic versions of the brand-name drug Ozempic [Source: canada.ca/en/health-canada/news/2026/05/canada-approves-second-generic-semaglutide-the-first-g7-country-to-do-so.html].

Obesity Canada: 'It's exciting'

Ian Patton, director of advocacy and public engagement for Obesity Canada, welcomed the first generic semaglutide approval [Source: cp24.com/news/canada/2026/04/30/how-generic-versions-of-ozempic-could-shape-canada/]. "It's exciting because people living with obesity haven't had a lot of options that are effective, evidence-based treatments for a long time," Patton told CP24 [Source: cp24.com/news/canada/2026/04/30/how-generic-versions-of-ozempic-could-shape-canada/].

Patton, who said he has lived with obesity most of his life and underwent bariatric surgery more than a decade ago, supplements his care with semaglutides [Source: cp24.com/news/canada/2026/04/30/how-generic-versions-of-ozempic-could-shape-canada/]. "It's not the right tool for everyone, but for me, it was absolutely life changing," he said [Source: cp24.com/news/canada/2026/04/30/how-generic-versions-of-ozempic-could-shape-canada/].

McGill clinician urges measured approach

Dr. Kaberi Dasgupta, a professor of medicine at McGill University, called the approval "really good news" that "increases equity," but cautioned about over-reliance on pharmacotherapy [Source: cp24.com/news/canada/2026/04/30/how-generic-versions-of-ozempic-could-shape-canada/]. "The negative side is that it might become a bit too easy to not try to make our environments healthier," Dasgupta said [Source: cp24.com/news/canada/2026/04/30/how-generic-versions-of-ozempic-could-shape-canada/].

Dasgupta said governments should fund surveillance programs for people with pre-diabetes to improve access to dieticians and exercise counselling sessions [Source: cp24.com/news/canada/2026/04/30/how-generic-versions-of-ozempic-could-shape-canada/]. "Under the right circumstances, they really help," she said, while questioning whether 30 to 50 per cent or more of the population should be on medication [Source: cp24.com/news/canada/2026/04/30/how-generic-versions-of-ozempic-could-shape-canada/].

Equivalence assurance from McMaster

Dr. Hertzel Gerstein, a professor in the medicine department at McMaster University and a diabetes physician, told Global News that Health Canada's generic approval process is "very rigorous" [Source: globalnews.ca/news/11826332/canada-approves-2nd-generic-version-semaglutide/]. The approval "should reassure most people that if they're using one of these generic drugs, it should be a very similar, if not identical, effect as would be if they would take the original, copied drug," Gerstein said [Source: globalnews.ca/news/11826332/canada-approves-2nd-generic-version-semaglutide/].

Dana Small, a neurology and neurosurgery professor at McGill University, told Global News that potential generic prices could fall to "anywhere from like $40 to $80," describing it as "a major decrease in cost" [Source: globalnews.ca/news/11826332/canada-approves-2nd-generic-version-semaglutide/]. Health Canada has stated that many generic medications are 45 to 90 per cent cheaper than brand-name versions [Source: globalnews.ca/news/11826332/canada-approves-2nd-generic-version-semaglutide/]. Current pharmacy cash prices tracked on GLP1Prices.ca show Ozempic ranging $222–$663 CAD, with the generic semaglutide tracker monitoring new entrants.

What's next

Health Canada said it expects to make regulatory decisions on more of the seven pending submissions in the coming weeks and months [Source: canada.ca/en/health-canada/news/2026/05/canada-approves-second-generic-semaglutide-the-first-g7-country-to-do-so.html]. Novo Nordisk executive vice president of international operations Emil Kongshøj Larsen noted that once three generic competitors are on the market, Canadian policy mandates a 65% price cut to Novo's list price [Source: cnbc.com/2026/05/07/healthy-returns-novo-nordisk-faces-ozempic-generics-in-canada-.html].

Patients comparing options can review the generic semaglutide tracker, check the insurance coverage checker, or consult the FAQ for additional information. Brand-name comparators include Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Rybelsus.

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