Teva Pharmaceuticals has introduced the first-ever generic version of the GLP-1 drug Victoza in the United States. GLP-1 drugs, such as Victoza, Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Zepbound, are a class of medications used to treat diabetes and obesity. These drugs have been highly effective, particularly for weight loss, with some patients losing up to 25% of their body weight. They also have other beneficial effects, including lowering A1C and improving cardiovascular outcomes.
However, the popularity of these drugs has led to shortages and supply chain issues. The common practice of using these drugs off-label for cosmetic weight loss has caused some diabetes patients to ration their supplies or switch drugs entirely.
The arrival of a generic GLP-1 drug provides a new treatment option, but concerns have been raised about its cost and effectiveness. Dr. Caroline Apovian, a Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School, expressed concern about the cost, asking how much Teva will charge for the generic. Dr. Sun Kim, an Associate Professor of Endocrinology at Stanford Medicine, also raised concerns about the price, especially considering that the generic is injected daily and is generally inferior to higher doses of newer GLP-1 drugs.
Teva’s generic Victoza is a welcome addition to the market, but for some patients, the price tag and lower effectiveness compared to newer GLP-1 drugs could remain a barrier. Head-to-head clinical trials have consistently demonstrated that the latest batch of GLP-1 drugs perform better than Victoza. For instance, patients taking semaglutide lost significantly more weight (15%) than those taking liraglutide (6%), and tirzepatide has proven even more effective, with patients losing 20% of their body weight.
While shortages of other GLP-1 drugs remain, Teva’s generic Victoza is a welcome addition to the market. However, for some patients, the price tag and lower effectiveness compared to newer GLP-1 drugs could remain a barrier.
