Telehealth provider Hims & Hers Health Inc. has announced the availability of generic semaglutide through its platform, allowing eligible Canadians to access digital prescriptions for the widely used weight-loss drug. This development follows Health Canada's approval of the first two generic injection versions of semaglutide, the active ingredient in the brand-name drug Ozempic.
Personalized Treatment Plans
Hims & Hers has started offering eligible customers personalized treatment plans starting at $149 per month, which includes the medication. This move aims to provide a more affordable alternative to brand-name options. Austin Kouri, general manager of Hims & Hers Canada, stated in an interview that generic medication will be more affordable than other options, making it particularly attractive for Canadians. He noted that this is an unprecedented environment, with Canada being one of the first to bring generics to the market.
Canada Leads G7 in Generic Semaglutide Approval
Canada is the first G7 country to have an approved generic version of semaglutide. Health Canada approved a generic made by Indian pharmaceutical company Dr. Reddy's Laboratories on April 28, followed by a second generic from Canadian pharmaceutical giant Apotex Inc. on May 1. Hims & Hers will be offering Apotex's Apo-semaglutide injection, the generic equivalent of Ozempic launched earlier this month.
Availability and Distribution
Apotex has confirmed that the product is shipping this week to wholesalers and distributors nationally. It is expected to be available to Canadians at their local pharmacies by the end of this week or early next. Health Canada is also reviewing seven other submissions for generic semaglutides by different companies, including Novo Nordisk's second brands Plosbrio and Poviztra, although no decisions have been made to launch those products.
The availability of generic semaglutide is significant for Canadians seeking affordable treatment for type 2 diabetes and weight management. With digital prescriptions through Hims & Hers, access to this medication is expected to become more convenient and cost-effective.
