Health Canada approves Sandoz generic semaglutide, the third copy of Ozempic cleared in Canada

Sandoz Canada announced on Sept. 18, 2026 that Health Canada has authorized its generic semaglutide injection for the once-weekly treatment of adults with type 2 diabetes, a copy of Novo Nordisk's Ozempic ^[1]. The company said it is preparing to commercialize the product but did not disclose when it will reach pharmacies or what it will cost ^[1].

Health Canada issued a Notice of Compliance for three doses delivered under the skin through two pen presentations: a pen delivering 0.25 mg or 0.5 mg doses, containing 2 mg of semaglutide (1.34 mg/mL), and a pen delivering 1 mg doses, containing 4 mg of semaglutide (1.34 mg/mL) ^[1]. The authorization covers type 2 diabetes, in combination with diet, exercise and other diabetes medicines ^[1]. Sandoz described the product as "a complex synthetic product that is pharmaceutically equivalent to the brand name biologic drug" ^[1].

"We are delighted to have received a Notice of Compliance for PrSandoz Semaglutide, a treatment for people living with type 2 diabetes – a condition that affects many Canadians," said Michel Robidoux, president and general manager of Sandoz Canada. He said the company aims "to reduce barriers to access, both financially and in terms of supply" ^[1].

Sandoz is the third company to win Canadian authorization for a generic semaglutide. Health Canada became the first G7 regulator to approve one on April 28, 2026, when it assigned drug identification numbers to semaglutide injections made by India-based Dr. Reddy's Laboratories, according to the agency's drug product database ^[2]. Novo Nordisk's patent protection against generics for Ozempic in Canada expired Jan. 4, 2026 ^[2].

On May 1, 2026, Health Canada authorized a second generic semaglutide injection, filed by Canadian-based Apotex, and said it was reviewing seven other submissions for generic semaglutide from different companies, with decisions expected "in the coming weeks and months" ^[3]. The agency said generic drugs are expected to have a positive impact in Canada, including potential savings for patients and the health care system, and noted that many generic medicines in Canada are 45% to 90% cheaper than brand-name versions ^[3]. That range is a general figure for generics, not a stated price for semaglutide.

Novo Nordisk Canada has already moved on price. Effective May 29, 2026, the company said eligible Canadians without public or private coverage who choose brand Ozempic would pay less, "aligning their medication cost with generic alternatives" ^[4]. Savings cards can be used at pharmacies across Canada, excluding Quebec, and are applied automatically at Novo Nordisk's own pharmacy and at select telehealth and retail partners ^[4]. Novo said more than one million Canadians are using semaglutide ^[4], and Sandoz cited data showing close to 12 million semaglutide injection pens are used in Canada each year ^[1].

Why it matters for patients

Nothing changes for patients in the United States. No generic semaglutide has been approved there, and Canadian authorizations do not apply in the United States. Ozempic, Wegovy and Rybelsus are brand-name forms of semaglutide, while Mounjaro and Zepbound are tirzepatide, a different molecule, so the Canadian copies are not substitutes for those products.

The Canadian generics are authorized for type 2 diabetes, not for weight management, and whether any of them would be cleared for weight loss in Canada has not been reported. The price Sandoz will charge in Canada has not been disclosed, so it is not yet known how much less it will cost than brand Ozempic beyond Novo Nordisk's stated intention to match generic pricing for eligible patients ^[4].

What happens next

Sandoz said it is taking steps to prepare for future commercialization but did not give a launch date ^[1]. Health Canada has said it expects to decide on more generic semaglutide submissions in the coming weeks and months; it has not published a schedule ^[3]. No US approval or timeline for a generic semaglutide has been disclosed.