Novo Nordisk's patent for semaglutide, the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) in its blockbuster GLP-1 medications, Wegovy and Ozempic, is expiring across multiple key markets in quick succession.
Following its lapse in Canada earlier this year, the patent expires in China and India this Friday, with Brazil and South Africa also anticipated to follow.
Canada's expiry marked the first major Western market opening, prompting Health Canada to field nine generic submissions from manufacturers including Sandoz Canada, Apotex, Teva Canada, Taro Pharmaceuticals, Aspen and Pharmacare Canada.
International players are also moving swiftly: Indian firm Biocon expects to file for Canadian approval imminently, with a decision anticipated in the second half of 2026.
Generic manufacturers mobilise
Indian and Chinese manufacturers are positioning aggressively ahead of their respective domestic openings. Indian firms such as Dr. Reddy's and Zydus are preparing for what the industry is already calling a "generic wave," investing in large-scale peptide synthesis and injectable fill-finish infrastructure to capture what represents a multi-billion-dollar market opportunity.
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