Aspen Pharmacare is gearing up to launch one of the world’s first generic semaglutide in Canada, capitalising on the recent loss of patent protection for Novo Nordisk’s blockbuster GLP‑1 weight‑loss injection. The move could be a pivotal moment for access and competition in an increasingly lucrative market.
Canada’s early patent expiry of semaglutide has drawn global attention. Industry leaders see it as a test case for generics, with implications for markets yet to see major patent expiries, including Brazil, India and China in 2026.
Aspen CEO Stephen Saad emphasised the broader significance, saying that whoever performs there is likely to perform across the rest of the globe. He added that while Aspen may not be first to market, it will be a contender. The company expects regulatory approvals to materialise in early 2026, but noted that January launches were unlikely.
Health Canada Sees Rising Interest In Generic Semaglutide
The regulatory landscape in Canada is now crowded. Health Canada’s public database shows nine separate filings for generic semaglutide, including submissions from Aspen, Canadian firm Apotex, Switzerland’s Sandoz, and Israel’s Teva Pharmaceuticals. This surge of applications signals intense competition ahead and potential for meaningful price reductions.
Current prices for branded semaglutide - sold as Ozempic and Wegovy by Novo Nordisk, and tirzepatide brands Mounjaro and Zepbound by Eli Lilly - range from around US$200 to US$400 per month. Analysts expect generics to significantly undercut these prices. Sandoz CEO Richard Saynor told the Financial Times that his company plans discounts of up to 70% off the list price, and competitive pressure could lower prices even further.
Aspen’s Strategic Position And Market Challenges
Aspen has remained tight‑lipped on specific pricing and launch strategy for its generic semaglutide, citing a closed financial period ahead of its interim results on 3 March. However, Aspen’s broader GLP‑1 activity suggests a deepening commitment to this drug class.
In South Africa, Aspen markets and distributes Eli Lilly’s Mounjaro under an agreement with Lilly. Saad reported that Mounjaro’s sales in South Africa - approved for type 2 diabetes in 2024 and weight loss in 2025 - “are shooting the lights out,” exceeding expectations without offering detailed figures. The company is also registering Mounjaro in additional sub‑Saharan African countries, with launches expected in 2026.
What The Canadian Case Means For The Global GLP‑1 Market
The generic semaglutide in Canada rollout could set benchmarks for regulatory approvals and price competition worldwide. Canada’s early patent expiries give generics a crucial head start. In contrast, patents remain in force in the US and the UK for several more years, delaying similar competition in those major markets.
Moreover, branded manufacturers are diversifying. Novo Nordisk recently gained US FDA approval for a Wegovy pill for weight loss and is pursuing Canadian registration. Oral formulations may attract patients reluctant to use injections, thereby complicating the competitive landscape for injectable generics.
Access And Affordability Implications In South Africa And Beyond
GLP‑1 drugs mimic a gut hormone that controls blood sugar, slows digestion and suppresses appetite. Their therapeutic boost has driven extraordinary demand but also persistent affordability issues. In South Africa, high prices put these medicines out of reach for many patients, particularly in areas where public health systems do not provide them, and medical schemes offer limited coverage.
Should Canada’s success with generic semaglutide translate into lower prices globally, it could widen access and reshape payer strategies. Health insurers and governments may be more inclined to cover GLP‑1 therapies if generics deliver the anticipated cost savings.
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