Teva Launches First Generic GLP-1 Drug for Obesity

Teva Pharmaceuticals has received FDA approval and has launched a generic version of Saxenda (liraglutide), which is approved to treat adults and adolescents 12 to 17 years of age who are obese or overweight.

“With this approval, and by launching a generic for Saxenda (liraglutide injection), we will provide patients in the United States the first ever generic GLP-1 product specifically indicated for weight loss,” Ernie Richardsen, senior vice president, head of U.S. Commercial Generics at Teva, said in a news release.

Saxenda is a GLP-1 drug developed by Novo Nordisk and has a list price of $1,349.02. But Novo Nordisk says the majority of commercially insured Saxenda prescriptions cost $30 or less for a 30-day supply with a Saxenda savings card. Novo Nordisk also market Victoza, another liraglutide product, which is a lower dose and approved to treat type 2 diabetes.

Both Saxenda and liraglutide are injections, and the generic has same indication as the branded product.