In recent years, Ozempic, Wegovy, and other GLP-1 medications have surged in popularity for weight management and diabetes management, leading to challenges in availability for some patients.
To assist with resolving supply chain issues, the first generic GLP-1 medication, a replica of Victoza, was introduced on June 25.
Victoza, produced by Novo Nordisk and distributed by Israel-based Teva Pharmaceuticals, is an injectable drug designed for type 2 diabetes therapy. It has also been indicated to support weight reduction in specific individuals, as reported by Teva.
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While semaglutide is the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy, Mounjaro contains tirzepatide, and Victoza includes liraglutide.
“With the launch of an authorized generic for Victoza (liraglutide injection 1.8mg), we are offering patients with type 2 diabetes another crucial treatment option,” stated Ernie Richardsen, SVP and head of U.S. commercial generics at Teva, in a company press release.
The first generic GLP-1, a version of Teva Pharmaceuticals’ Victoza, was launched in late June 2024. (iStock; Getty Images)
The newly authorized generic is the same medication as the brand-name Victoza but is sold without the brand label and at a lower cost, as explained by Alyssa Billingsley, PharmD, senior director of Pharmacy Content at GoodRx in St. Louis, Missouri.
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As Wegovy is essentially a higher-dose variant of Ozempic for obesity treatment, a higher-dose version of Victoza exists under the brand name Saxenda, although a generic version is yet unavailable.
“This is a significant step towards enhancing accessibility and affordability for GLP-1 agonist medications,” Billingsley shared with Fox News Digital via email.
Victoza is made by Novo Nordisk and sold and distributed by Teva Pharmaceuticals based in Israel. (Getty Images)
Billingsley noted that this category of drugs continues to expand in terms of beneficial uses beyond merely addressing type 2 diabetes, although their pricing can often hinder access for many individuals.
“Typically, authorized generics come with a reduced price, which could present a more affordable alternative for some patients,” she added.
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“Nonetheless, certain insurers may still favor the brand-name Victoza, even when a lower-cost authorized generic is provided.”
Billingsley advised patients to consult their insurance provider to verify which choices are covered and the associated costs.
This category of medications has consistently increasing benefits, though affordability can pose challenges for many patients. (iStock)
Dr. Brett Osborn, a neurologist and longevity expert from Florida, expressed that the introduction of the first generic GLP-1 is “excellent news.”
He highlighted that the lower pricing of the generic is especially advantageous for individuals with long-term conditions such as diabetes, where consistent medication usage is essential to avert complications such as vascular disease, heart attacks, strokes, cancer, neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer’s, and obesity, which is viewed as a ‘gateway disease.’
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Doctors have pointed out some distinctions between the generic version of Victoza and Ozempic along with other GLP-1 agonists.
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The active ingredient in this new medication is liraglutide, whereas Ozempic uses semaglutide, and it is approved for children aged 10 and up with diabetes.
Currently, semaglutide treatments have not received approval for use in children.
While semaglutides like Ozempic are administered weekly, liraglutide medications necessitate daily injections due to a shorter half-life. (iStock)
Additionally, there are dosage variations — semaglutides such as Ozempic are prescribed weekly, whereas liraglutide requires daily administration due to its shorter half-life, as noted by the doctor.
“Each medication has its advantages and disadvantages,” said Osborn. “At their core, however, the molecules are closely related and perform similar functions, including appetite suppression and enhancing insulin secretion from the pancreas.”
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The common side effects associated with liraglutides consist of nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, reduced appetite, indigestion, and constipation, as outlined in the company’s announcement. More severe side effects may also occur.
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Patients experiencing adverse effects or prolonged symptoms should consult a healthcare provider.
Fox News Digital reached out to both Teva Pharmaceuticals and Novo Nordisk for comments.
