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The British Generic Manufacturers Association (BGMA) has said that the “first wave” of generic weight loss medicines could be made available in the UK, providing “greater choice and better availability for physicians in managing patients’ weight loss needs”.
In a statement published on 20 November 2024, the body said that patent protection was no longer in force on Saxenda (liraglutide; Novo Nordisk) and Victoza (liraglutide; Novo Nordisk) pre-filled injection pens, marking the “the first time generic versions of these diabetes and weight loss treatments can be available in the UK”.
These versions could provide “much-needed capacity to meet growing demand and alleviate shortages”, the body added.
Liraglutide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA) used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus and obesity.
The BGMA statement comes after Saxenda and Victoza, among other GLP-1 RAs, faced supply issues over the past year.
In a statement published in September 2024, charity Diabetes UK said the shortages “are expected to ease by the end of 2024 going into 2025”.
In October 2024, Novo Nordisk confirmed that its Victoza (liraglutide) 6mg/mL pre-filled injection pens had been discontinued as part of what it said was “broader efforts to consolidate our portfolio”. It said that it had no plans to discontinue Saxenda.
However, manufacturer Teva had announced in June 2024 that it was launching a generic version of Victoza in the United States.
“By launching an authorised generic for Victoza, we are providing patients with type 2 diabetes another option for this important treatment,” said Ernie Richardsen, senior vice president, head of US commercial generics at Teva.
The BGMA said that “at least four companies are expected to have UK marketing authorisations with indications to cover type 2 diabetes and obesity”, but added: “It is unclear how many will launch immediately”.
“However, demand for generic versions is expected to be far harder to predict than for typical generic or biosimilar markets,” it said, explaining that it is not clear how much unmet demand exists and that there is a significant market in private prescriptions.
It also noted that alternative patented branded products, such as Mounjaro (tirzepatide; Eli Lilly) and Wegovy (semaglutide; Novo Nordisk) are available, and that, unlike liraglutide, these treatments are administered as weekly injections rather than daily.
Mark Samuels, chief executive of the BGMA, commented that “the genericisation of the first wave of weight loss medicines is a significant development for the NHS and societal healthcare more broadly in the UK”.
“These products can potentially deliver essential public health benefits and access to medicines, possible NHS cost savings, and broader knock-on benefits — provided policymakers see these medicines in the context of other factors, such as tackling the issues regarding unhealthy foods and sedentary lifestyles,” he said.
Samuels added: “The BGMA also advocates that, for these treatments to be successful, weight loss medicines continue to be prescription-based and not available as an over-the-counter product.
“This should be the case whether they are obtained via the NHS or privately. It is essential for those selling the medicines to ensure that patients have regular GP consultations and can report any concerns.”
