In a surprising regulatory development, Novo Nordisk allegedly failed to maintain patent protection for its blockbuster drug semaglutide in Canada. The oversight could enable generic competition years earlier than expected in one of the world’s largest markets for the GLP-1 medication.
Patent Maintenance Oversight Creates Generic Drug Opportunity
In what industry analysts are calling a remarkable regulatory oversight, pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk reportedly allowed its patent for the popular diabetes and weight loss drug semaglutide to lapse in Canada by failing to pay maintenance fees, according to recent reports. The situation came to light during an interview with Sandoz CEO Richard Saynor, who revealed his company plans to launch a generic version of the GLP-1 drug in Canada as early as 2026.