Ottawa, April 29, 2026 — Health Canada has authorized the first generic version of the popular diabetes drug Ozempic, marking a significant development that could improve access and lower costs for patients across the country.
The generic semaglutide injection, produced by Indian drugmaker Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories, contains the same active ingredient as the brand-name Ozempic from Novo Nordisk. It is approved for the once-weekly treatment of adults with type 2 diabetes to help manage blood sugar levels.
This approval makes Canada the first G7 nation to greenlight a generic version of semaglutide. Health Canada confirmed that the drug met its rigorous standards for safety, efficacy, and quality following a thorough review.
Ozempic and similar GLP-1 medications have seen massive demand in recent years, not only for managing type 2 diabetes but also for widespread off-label use in weight management. The high cost of the brand-name drug has been a barrier for many patients, particularly those without private insurance.
Generic versions of drugs are typically priced 45% to 90% lower than the original, which could substantially improve affordability and access for Canadians. Health Canada is currently reviewing eight additional submissions for generic semaglutide, with more decisions expected in the coming weeks and months. Increased competition is likely to drive prices down further.
“Canada becomes the first G7 country to approve a generic version of semaglutide,” Health Canada stated in its release.
The availability of this generic Ozempic alternative is expected to ease some of the supply pressures and financial burden associated with the blockbuster medication.
Patients are advised to consult their healthcare providers regarding the switch to the generic version, as individual responses and prescribing practices may vary.