Victoza: Generic Ozempic-Like GLP-1 Drug Now Available in US
- Teva Pharmaceuticals is developing the first GLP-1 drug in the United States.
- Victoza, which was originally approved by the FDA in 2010 for diabetes, is part of the same class of drugs that includes Ozempic, Wegovy, and Zepbound.
- Experts say they welcome generics but have raised concerns about cost and effectiveness.
Teva Pharmaceuticals has announced the launch of a generic version of Victoza (liraglutide), the first GLP-1-type drug to be available in the United States.
Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (known as GLP-1s or GLP-1 RAs) are a class of incretin drugs that mimic the body’s natural hormones to help treat diabetes and obesity . Other drugs in this class include semaglutide (marketed under the brand names Ozempic and Wegovy) and tirzepatide (marketed under the brand names Mounjaro and Zepbound.
The latter is considered “
The drug has proven to be exceptionally effective, especially for weight loss, with some patients losing up to
However, the drug’s popularity has gotten out of control at times, causing shortages and supply problems in the US and abroad. The common practice of using diabetes medications such as Ozempic and Mounjaro “off label” for weight loss has resulted in some diabetics being forced to give up their supplies or switch drugs. completely.
“By introducing an approved generic version for Victoza, we are giving patients with type 2 diabetes another option for this important treatment…” Ernie Richardsen, Senior Vice President of Teva Pharmaceuticals, said in the sentence.
The arrival of the generic GLP-1 drug gives reasons for optimism to doctors and patients alike, but there are also caveats.
Dr. Caroline Apovian, MD, Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School and co-director of the Center for Obesity and Wellness at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, told Healthline that the approval was “another step in the right direction.” correct.”
But, he quickly followed that with some immediate concern about the cost.
“My big question to Teva is how much are you going to pay for it?” he said.
Dr. Sun Kim, MD, Associate Professor of Endocrinology at Stanford Medicine, told Healthline that although he is happy about the increased treatment options, he also has concerns.
“The prices I have seen for Teva’s liraglutide are high, especially considering that liraglutide is administered once a day (as opposed to weekly) and is generally lower than the higher doses of liraglutide and tripeptide. every week,” he told Healthline.
Healthline contacted Teva about the cost of their generic but did not receive a response.
According to The Guardian, the wholesale price (WAC) of the generic will be 13.6% lower than Victoza.
Two packs of injection pens are estimated to cost $470, while three will cost $700. A Teva spokesperson told The Guardian that “WAC prices are not responsible for price discounts offered to customers and do not reflect our final price.”
Another notable issue mentioned by experts is that Victoza is not as effective as the novel GLP-1s. The FDA first approved Victoza for diabetes in 2010, followed by Saxenda (and liraglutide) for obesity in 2014.
“I think no one can argue that liraglutide, although effective in lowering blood sugar and weight, is inferior to the high doses of semaglutide and tirzepatide,” said Kim.
Head-to-head clinical trials have repeatedly shown that the latest class of GLP-1 drugs work better.
STEP 8 is done randomly
Tirzepatide has proven to be more effective in
While there is a shortage of other GLP-1 drugs, Teva’s generic Victoza is a welcome addition to the market.
However, for some patients, the cost and low efficacy compared to newer agents may remain a barrier for many.
The first GLP-1-type drug is being developed in the United States by Teva Pharmaceuticals.
GLP-1 drugs, including the blockbuster diabetes and obesity drugs Wegovy and Zepbound, are touted for their effectiveness but are expensive and often in short supply.
Experts told Healthline that while they welcome standard GLP-1, they still have concerns about its cost and overall effectiveness compared to newer GLP-1 drugs.
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