A man prepares a semaglutide Ozempic injection in a file photo. myskin/Shutterstock
Health Canada has officially authorized the first generic version of the semaglutide injection that is specifically intended for weight loss.
The product from Canadian-based pharmaceutical company Apotex is known as Sevmia and serves as a generic alternative to Wegovy, the brand-name medication developed by Denmark’s Novo Nordisk.
“Health Canada authorized the drug after a thorough review of evidence provided by the company demonstrated that the drug meets Health Canada’s criteria for safety, efficacy and quality for generic drugs,” the federal agency said in a June 29 press release.
Svemia is designed for the weekly treatment of individuals 12 and older, as a complement to a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity aimed at chronic weight management, Health Canada said.
This is the third generic semaglutide product that has received approval from the health ministry, although the first two were authorized specifically for the treatment of Type 2 diabetes in adult patients.
Canada was the first G7 country to authorize generic semaglutide after Novo Nordisk’s patent expired in early 2026. Health Canada approved the generic versions made by India’s Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories and Toronto-based Apotex. Both companies are now actively shipping these medications to pharmacies across the country.
Health Canada says it is currently evaluating six additional submissions for generic semaglutide from different companies that are pharmaceutically equivalent to the brand name biologic drug and expects to make more decisions in the weeks and months ahead. It noted that its review target for generic drug submissions is shorter than many international regulators.
“Health Canada’s review ensures that differences between these products do not affect the safety, efficacy, or quality of the drug,” the agency said, noting that the generic versions could be 45 to 90 percent cheaper than name brand versions.
Semaglutide is an anti-diabetic medication used for the treatment of Type 2 diabetes or as an anti-obesity medication for long-term weight loss.
It is used to mimic the GLP-1 hormone that is naturally produced in the human body. The hormone interacts with the brain to indicate feelings of fullness and is commonly used for the management of Type 2 diabetes and as an anti-obesity treatment for long-term weight control.
There has been a marked increase in the demand in Canada and other countries in recent years for weight loss drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus which are the brand names for the drug semaglutide.
Health Canada said it will continue to monitor the safety and effectiveness of all generic semaglutide products and will take “appropriate action to protect the health and safety of Canadians” should any unforeseen safety or efficacy issues emerge.
