Wegovy, Ozempic shots could be made for as little as $3 a month

Generic versions of Novo Nordisk’s blockbuster Wegovy and Ozempic medications could be mass produced for about $3 per person per month, a cost that could greatly widen access in low- and middle-income countries, according to a new analysis.

After reviewing data for active pharmaceutical ingredients from the past two years, the researchers estimated a generic version of semaglutide — the key ingredient in the Ozempic diabetes treatment and Wegovy weight loss drug — could be made for $28 to $140 per person a year and then sold at low prices once patents expire this year in several countries.

Specifically, patents for semaglutide are due to expire starting later this month in India, China, Canada, Brazil, and Turkey, along with three other countries later this year, which is expected to spark distribution of generic versions. This is especially true of India, where numerous generic makers are based and are seeking new markets.