Health Canada has approved a generic version of the weight-loss drug Wegovy, marking the country's first authorized generic alternative specifically for chronic weight management.
The newly approved product, named Svemia, is manufactured by the Canadian pharmaceutical firm Apotex and serves as a generic variant of the brand-name medication semaglutide developed by Denmark-based Novo Nordisk.
According to Health Canada, Svemia is authorized for once-weekly administration in patients aged 12 and older, intended to complement a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical exercise.
Third Generic Semaglutide Approval
The approval represents the third generic semaglutide product authorized by the regulatory body, following two earlier clearances this year that targeted Type 2 diabetes treatment in adults.
Those previous approvals included generic versions of Novo Nordisk's Ozempic manufactured by India-based Dr. Reddy's Laboratories and Apotex.
Health Canada stated that it is currently reviewing six additional generic semaglutide submissions from various manufacturers, with further decisions expected in the upcoming weeks and months.
