When Will Semaglutide Be Generic?

Currently, Novo Nordisk, a Danish manufacturer that has created and acquired a patent for its brand name semaglutide marketed as Ozempic® and Wegovy®, has an exclusive right to sell and distribute the medication. Companies cannot produce or release a generic version of semaglutide until the patent expires.

The expiration date for patent protection varies depending on the country. Though the main patent expires in 2026, some secondary patents may extend the exclusivity period until 2033 - Novo Nordisk has a family of secondary patents that protect semaglutide in 28 countries for its different compounding methods. 

As can be understood, there is seemingly no date for when generic semaglutide may be produced at the moment. 

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Key Takeaways

• Generic semaglutide cannot currently be manufactured due to patent protection, At the moment, Novo Nordisk produces brand-name semaglutide marketed as Ozempic® and WeGovy®. 
• Compounded pharmacies may make medication with the same active ingredient as Ozempic® and WeGovy®. Compounded pharmacies are pharmacies which prepare custom-made medications tailored to meet specific patient needs. Certain, but not all, compounded pharmacies may be FDA-licensed. However, compounded medications are not evaluated by the FDA for safety, effectiveness, or efficacy. It is pertinent to consult with a licensed healthcare provider prior to using semaglutide based medication. 
• The primary patent for semaglutide is expected to expire in 2026, but some secondary patents may extend the non-possibility of generic semaglutide until 2033.

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Is It Possible to Get Generic Semaglutide?

No. As mentioned earlier, Novo Nordisk currently holds the exclusive rights to produce and sell semaglutide marketed as Ozempic® and WeGovy® until the patent expires, which means any other attempt to produce a generic form would be considered a violation of law.

However, compounded pharmacies may offer medication with the same active ingredient available through a licensed healthcare provider’s prescription. 

When Will Semaglutide Be Generic

Is semaglutide patented? When will Wegovy® be generic?

Yes, currently Novo Nordisk holds patents for semaglutide marketed as Ozempic® and WeGovy®. These questions are being asked as more people are eager to know about the generic version of semaglutide. As mentioned earlier, patent protection for semaglutide varies depending on the country. For instance, in the United States, the main patent for semaglutide is set to expire in 2026, while some secondary patents may extend it until 2033.

However, even after patent expiration, there is no guarantee that a generic version of semaglutide may be immediately available. Producing a generic drug involves obtaining regulatory approval and conducting clinical trials to ensure its safety and effectiveness. These processes may take several years, especially for complex drugs like semaglutide.

Additionally, the original patent holder may have exclusivity rights for a certain period before allowing generic versions to be produced. This is known as market exclusivity and can further delay generic semaglutide availability.

Overall, generic versions of semaglutide may not be available until several years after its main patent expires. 

Why Does It Matter For Semaglutide to Be Generic?

There are many reasons why Ozempic patent expiration may be widely discussed and why the availability of generic medications is generally eagerly anticipated.

Potential manufacturers or sellers may have different reasons for wanting to produce or sell generic semaglutide. For one, generic versions of drugs may be typically priced lower than their branded counterparts. This may make the medication more accessible and affordable for patients who may struggle with the high cost of brand-name medications.

Moreover, having a generic version of a drug in the market may also increase competition among manufacturers and potentially drive down prices even further. This may be beneficial for patients and healthcare systems that may bear the burden of covering the cost of expensive medications.

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Reason 1: Cost Savings

Though there is no guarantee that the cost of generic semaglutide may be significantly lower than the branded version, it may still be a possibility. The reason for this potential cost savings may be the competition among manufacturers. When multiple companies produce a generic drug version, they may price their products competitively to gain a larger market share. This may sometimes result in lower prices for consumers.

Additionally, generic drug manufacturers may not need to invest in expensive research and development, marketing, or advertising. This may significantly reduce the cost of producing the drug, which may translate into a lower price for consumers.

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Reason 2: Increased Access

Semaglutide is included in the FDA's list of shortage medications, which means there is a limited supply of the medication available in the market as the demand increases.

Semaglutide production involves complex manufacturing cycles, and Novo Nordisk may not be able to increase its supply quickly enough. 

That's why the expiration of the patent may help increase access to the drug. With multiple manufacturers producing generic semaglutide, there will be more supply available in the market, making it easier for patients to obtain this medication.

Considering the prevalence of diabetes, this potential increased access to semaglutide which may be effective in managing T-2 diabetes can be a positive on the state of our public health. Meanwhile, semaglutide for weight management purposes is also used, and generic versions may make it accessible to people looking for this option. This may potentially lead to better management of obesity and related health issues.

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Reason 3: Insurance Coverage

Currently, the FDA cannot approve generic versions of semaglutide, so it may be to early to speak about potential insurance coverage. However, as mentioned earlier, generic drugs as compared to their brand-name counterparts may be more affordable options. 

This may provide patients with more affordable medication options and may reduce the out-of-pocket costs for individuals and families struggling with diabetes management.

Currently, semaglutide for weight loss purposes is rarely covered because not all insurance companies may consider obesity a medical condition. However, this may potentially change with generic options in the future.

For now, you can almost always cover Ozempic® or Wegovy® for diabetes treatment and, in certain cases, WeGovy® for weight loss.

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Reason 4: Market Competition

If we talk solely about a patented drug, not the compounded semaglutide used in weight loss or research chemicals sold by pharmacies for laboratory and research purposes, Novo Nordisk along can produce Ozempic® and Wegovy®, which may limit competition in terms of pricing and availability. However, with the advent of generic semaglutide, other companies may start producing their own versions, leading to a more competitive market.

Competition may benefit the consumer, generally leading to lower prices and better-quality products. In this case, generic semaglutide may drive down the cost of treatment for diabetes and obesity, making it more accessible to a wider population.

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Ways To Get Semaglutide Now

Though Ozempic® patent expiration is far off for now, this does not mean your only option to purchase prescribed semaglutide is Wegovy® or Ozempic®.

Compounded pharmacies may compound medication with the same active ingredient for patients with prescriptions from licensed healthcare providers. In simpler words, they may get the same active ingredient for semaglutide to compound their own version of injectable or oral semaglutide. They can slightly modify the solution's structure by adding or removing specific ingredients the patient is allergic to.

Some, but not all, compounded pharmacies are FDA-licensed. Compounded medications are not FDA-reviewed for safety, efficacy or effectiveness. 

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Way 1: Try Eden

Try Eden is a platform that allows you to get a personalized consultation with knowledgeable physicians and a customized prescription, if the right option for you for compounded semaglutide. When you're prescribed to have an injectable compounded semaglutide, a monthly subscription to Try Eden services will ensure you get delivery of the solution to your doorstep.

An advantage of using Try Eden is that Try Eden sources semaglutide from FDA-licensed facilities only. 

This way, you get a personalized approach and peace of mind that you're under the close supervision of a qualified physician. Try Eden reviews show patients are satisfied with their services and experience weight management results.

Try Eden does not accept insurance. Meanwhile, the monthly subscription cost is generally $196 subscription both for oral and injectable semaglutide, which also includes the consultation of a healthcare professional. 

Learn more about Try Eden.

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Way 2: Compounding Pharmacies

Compounding pharmacies offer custom-made medications. However, some of them might not offer a consultation with a healthcare professional to prescribe compounded semaglutide. This is where platforms such as Try Eden stand-out, as they provide you access to licensed healthcare providers who can determine whether semaglutide is the right option for you. 

Compounded semaglutide requires active prescriptions from licensed healthcare providers. However, if you already have a doctor's subscription and don't want to pay for Ozempic® or Wegovy®, researching compounding pharmacies is a good solution.

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‌Disclaimer: The FDA does not approve compounded medications for safety, quality or manufacturing. Prescriptions and a medical evaluation are required for certain products. The information provided on this blog is for general informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional advice from a qualified healthcare professional and should not be relied upon as personal health advice. The information contained in this blog is not meant to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Readers are advised to consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any medical concerns including side effects. Use of this blog's information is at your own risk. The blog owner is not responsible for any adverse effects, or consequences resulting from the use of any suggestions or information provided in this blog.

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Final Thoughts

Semaglutide marketed as Ozempic® and WeGovy® is currently patented and thus, no generic options are available. Compounding pharmacies may make medication with the same active ingredient - prescriptions from licensed healthcare providers are required for all forms, including compounded semaglutide. 

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