By Sriparna Roy
May 21 (Reuters) – Hims & Hers Health said on Thursday it is now offering Canadians a generic version of semaglutide, the active ingredient in Novo Nordisk’s blockbuster GLP-1 drugs, through its telehealth platform.
The generic drug is made by Apotex Inc, the largest Canada-based global health company, Hims said, marking the platform’s first international generic GLP-1 offering.
Hims will offer it as a part of its weight-loss program.
The expiry of Novo’s patent for semaglutide, the active ingredient in the Danish drugmaker’s diabetes drug Ozempic and weight-loss drug Wegovy, has opened the door for several drugmakers looking to enter the Canadian market with generic versions, which are essentially copies of branded drugs.
Generic semaglutide is authorized for sale by Health Canada for the management of type 2 diabetes, but Hims does not currently offer access to treatment services for the condition in the country.
Health Canada had approved Apotex’s drug earlier this month. Last week, the company launched its generic drug, Apo-Semaglutide Injection, indicated for once-weekly treatment of adults with type 2 diabetes.
Apotex did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment.
Indian drugmaker Dr Reddy’s also received the green light last month, and has launched its generic version in the country.
The price of Ozempic in Canada ranges between C$200 ($145.27) and C$400 per month, depending on dosage, region and insurance.
“When more affordable options enter the GLP-1 space, it becomes more dynamic, and prices fall across the board. That benefits patients everywhere, regardless of where they seek care,” said Sandy Van, chief medical officer at Hims & Hers Canada.
Canadians will be able to receive personalized plans starting at C$149 per month, the company said.
The telehealth firm said it is open to partnering with other manufacturers in Canada, but did not share further details.
($1 = 1.3767 Canadian dollars)
(Reporting by Sriparna Roy in Bengaluru; Editing by Sahal Muhammed)
