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

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A generic version of semaglutide, more commonly known by the brand name Ozempic, is now available in Canada as patent protections expire. For The National, CBC’s Christine Birak breaks down the key details about the drug’s safety, production and cost. [CORRECTION (June 4, 2026): The world map at 1:38 in this story shows a demarcation between Morocco and Western Sahara. In fact, the boundaries between the two are disputed.]

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.

WATCH | GLP-1s beyond weight loss:

Early studies suggest GLP-1s, such as Ozempic, could help reduce the risk of some cancers, but scientists say there are still more questions than answers and more long-term studies are needed to really understand the potential.

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.