Health Canada authorizes first generic semaglutide injection for weight loss

Health Canada has approved Svemia, a generic semaglutide injection produced by Apotex, for the treatment of chronic weight management. The once‑weekly drug is intended for people aged 12 and over as a supplement to a reduced‑calorie diet and increased physical activity.

Svemia is the first generic version of Novo Nordisk’s brand‑name weight‑loss drug Wegovy approved in Canada and marks the third generic semaglutide product cleared by the regulator. The earlier approvals covered generic versions of Novo Nordisk’s diabetes drug Ozempic, produced by Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories (India) and Apotex.

Health Canada said it is reviewing six additional generic semaglutide submissions from other manufacturers and expects further decisions in the coming weeks and months.