Ozempic will go generic in India, China and Canada

Novo Nordisk’s Ozempic will lose patent protection this weekend in several populous countries, with generic versions expected first in India and then in China, Canada and other markets; the United States and Europe are not expected to see generics until the early 2030s.

The drug sold as Ozempic and Wegovy is set to lose patent protection in several populous countries this weekend, and generic versions are expected to appear in some of those markets. The change follows years in which access was largely limited and prices were high. Reports say the first generic versions may arrive in India as soon as this weekend. Additional markets listed include China, Canada, Brazil, Turkey and South Africa. Key facts: - Novo Nordisk will lose patent protection in several populous countries this weekend. - First generic versions are expected to arrive in India as soon as this weekend. - Generics are also expected in the coming months in China, Canada, Brazil, Turkey and South Africa. - India and China together are reported to have more than 800 million adults who are obese or overweight and more than 360 million adults with diabetes. - The United States and Europe are not expected to see generics until the early 2030s because of special regulatory protections that extend brand-name exclusivity. Summary: The arrival of generics is reported to expand availability and reduce prices in large markets that previously had limited access. Generics are expected first in India and then in other countries named, while U.S. and European availability remains scheduled for the early 2030s.