Bid For Cheaper, Generic, Wegovy and Ozempic Struck Down

An attempt to challenge patents held by Novo Nordisk and begin the development of generic versions of blockbuster drugs Wegovy and Ozempic has failed.

Mylan Pharmaceuticals, a part of parent company Viatris, argued that Novo, the Danish company which developed and manufactured Wegovy and Ozempic, should lose its patent on the drugs. It believes that semaglutide — the drug used in both shots — is too similar to its previous type 2 diabetes medication, liraglutide.

Drug patents are generally valid for 20 years after first granted. This means that after the patent runs its course, generic manufacturers are allowed to sell unbranded — and usually much cheaper — versions of the drug. While unbranded, generic drugs use the same active ingredients and are just as effective as branded versions.

Novo filed its patent for liraglutide, sold as Saxenda, in 2004, meaning the patent is set to expire next year. However, Mylan argues that Novo built semaglutide off of its previous drug, meaning its patent for Wegovy and Ozempic should expire along with Saxenda’s. 

The Danish company challenged these claims, and a tribunal at the U.S. patent office ruled in their favor.

The pair of Novo drugs — Wegovy and Ozempic — are among the most popular in the world. A recent report found that 2% of Americans who saw a doctor last year received a prescription for one of them. Some analysts believe the market for the drugs can reach over $100 billion annually, and Novo is the largest company in Denmark off of the back of the drug’s success. 

This gives Novo great incentive to want to keep control of the drug, however, it has faced some criticism. Insurance coverage for these drugs can be spotty, and a monthly supply can cost upwards of $1,000 out-of-pocket. 

Novo has struggled to meet demand too. The drugs have remained in short supply since early 2022, when they first started catching mainstream attention. The company’s CEO has said he does not know when supply issues will be quelled.