Generic weight loss medicines could provide greater choice, alleviate shortages – says BGMA

With Novo Nordisk’s patent protection for liraglutide now expired, the UK is set to welcome the first wave of generic weight loss medicines.

The British Generic Manufacturers Association (BGMA), the trade body for off-patent medicines, believes these generic versions could “provide could provide
much-needed capacity to meet growing demand and alleviate shortages.”

Liraglutide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist, is primarily used to treat type 2 diabetes and obesity. Novo Nordisk markets liraglutide under
the brand names Victoza (for type 2 diabetes and Saxenda (for weight loss).

In a statement released on 20 November 2024, the BGMA confirmed that “liraglutide’s patent protection was no longer in force, marking the first time generic
versions of diabetes and weight loss treatments can be available in the UK.”

The BGMA anticipates that at least four companies will obtain UK marketing authorisations for generics targeting type 2 diabetes and obesity. However, it
remains uncertain how many will launch immediately.