GLP-1RAs on Essential Medicines List: Who Decides?
Generics to Improve GLP-1RA accessibility: A Summary
This article discusses the increasing accessibility of GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) - drugs used for weight loss and diabetes management – due to upcoming patent expirations and the introduction of generic versions. Here’s a breakdown of the key points:
Saxenda (liraglutide) faces immediate competition: teva Pharmaceutical’s generic Saxenda is approved in the US as of August 2025, threatening Novo Nordisk’s market share. analysts predict Saxenda sales will plummet from $1.5bn in 2022 to $135m in 2031. Listing on the Essential Medicines List (EML) is expected to further accelerate generic manufacturing and possibly lower prices.
Semaglutide generics are on the horizon: While the US patent for semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) doesn’t expire until the early 2030s, patents will expire in India, China, Brazil, Canada, and Turkey in 2026. Chinese drug manufacturers are already preparing to produce semaglutide generics. Semaglutide had global sales of $28bn in 2024.
Other GLP-1RAs also facing patent expiry: Trulicity (dulaglutide) patent expires in 2027. Tirzepatide (mounjaro, Zepbound) has a patent expiry in 2036, but formulation patents could extend exclusivity for Eli Lilly until around 2039.
Overall Impact: The introduction of generics is expected to lower prices and increase access to these medications, despite potentially reducing revenue for the original manufacturers.
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