Comment
Author: Admin | 2025-04-28
Liraglutide is available under the brand names Saxenda and Victoza. However, you can’t be prescribed generic liraglutide just yet. Of course, other well-known medications, such as paracetamol and ibuprofen, are available in both generic forms and under brand names, so what makes liraglutide different? Let us explain a little bit more… What is liraglutide prescribed for?The active ingredient is currently licenced to treat two different health conditions, meaning the brand you’ll get depends on your use. You’ll be prescribed Saxenda as a weight loss treatment and Victoza for type 2 diabetes. The medications are kept under two different brand names to help keep the dosage differences clear. However, you’ll only be prescribed liraglutide if you’re suitable for it.If you are taking liraglutide for diabetes, you will typically need a lower dose of the medication in comparison to those who are taking it for weight loss. Why is there no generic Saxenda or Victoza?There is currently no generic liraglutide because Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of both medications, previously had a patent for it. A patent is a licence that only allows the manufacturer, in this case, Novo Nordisk, to be the manufacturer and distributor of the medication for a couple of years. When a patent expires, other manufacturers can produce and sell the medication under their brand name or as a generic medication. All medications follow this path, so it’s only a matter of waiting until the exclusive patent has expired before a medication can be made generic. When will generic liraglutide be available?Liraglutide’s patent protection under the brands Victoza and Saxenda is no longer in force, meaning that, for the first time, generic versions of liraglutide are likely to be available in the UK soon. Generic versions of these diabetes and weight loss treatments will provide a wider choice, helping to meet growing demand and alleviate shortages. Four companies are expected to be releasing a generic version of liraglutide. However, it’s still unclear how many will launch immediately. [1]The release of generic liraglutide is expected to allow the NHS to treat more patients for weight loss and type 2 diabetes. Patients wanting private prescriptions will also get more choices. Other weight-loss injections, such as Mounjaro and Wegovy, are still patented. Mounjaro is expected to lose patent protection in 2032 and Wegovy in 2028. Will unbranded liraglutide be cheaper?When a medication becomes generic, it’s common for it to become much cheaper as other manufacturers release their versions. Thus, once liraglutide becomes generic, cheaper options could be available. In the past, prices have had to drop across the board so that manufacturers can remain competitive in a more saturated market, which is good news for patients. One of the most notable examples is sildenafil, the active ingredient in Viagra. When the patent expired on sildenafil, other manufacturers could create the medication and sell it at a cheaper price. We expect the cost to become cheaper when liraglutide becomes generic and other manufacturers get on board. We will keep our eyes peeled over
Add Comment