Cheaper, generic versions of Ozempic could come to Canada as early as next year

Generic versions of Ozempic could be available in Canada as early as next year, making Canadians among the first in the world to get cheaper copies of the type 2 diabetes drug that has become a sales and cultural juggernaut because of its weight-loss benefits.At least four companies have applied to Health Canada to sell copies of Ozempic after its market exclusivity expires on Jan. 4, 2026. Health Canada accepted submissions from the Canadian company Apotex in January and from Switzerland-based Sandoz in November, according to the regulator’s website.Health Canada also accepted applications from two other unnamed companies in the first quarter of last year, before the regulator enacted a policy naming the manufacturers behind generic drug submissions on April 1, 2024.