1st generic semaglutide injection for weight loss approved: Health Canada

1st generic semaglutide injection for weight loss approved: Health Canada

Generic semaglutide is third product OK'd in Canada, though first two were authorized to treat diabetes

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A generic semaglutide injection to promote weight loss is now approved in Canada, Health Canada says.

The regulator said the product submission, called Svemia, was filed by Canadian-based Apotex and is a generic version of the brand name drug Wegovy, sold by Denmark's Novo Nordisk

Monday's announcement by Health Canada marks its third such generic semaglutide product approval.

Health Canada said Svemia is approved for use once a week to treat people age 12 and older for chronic weight management in combination with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity

The first two generic semaglutide injections were to treat Type 2 diabetes in adults.

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Generic versions of Novo Nordisk's Ozempic from India-based Dr. Reddy's Laboratories and Apotex were approved earlier this year.

Health Canada noted it's reviewing six other submissions for generic semaglutide from different companies.

Amina Zafar covers medical sciences and health care for CBC News. She contributes to CBC Health's Second Opinion, which won silver for best editorial newsletter at the 2024 Digital Publishing Awards. She holds an undergraduate degree in environmental science and a master's in journalism.