The first generic version of the daily injectable diabetes drug liraglutide has been approved by the FDA.
This innovation may provide a less expensive substitute for name-brand medications like Victoza, resolving persistent shortages and facilitating patient access to therapy.
Many patients are struggling financially due to the escalating expense of diabetic medicines, but a recent FDA approval may provide much-needed respite.
The first generic version of liraglutide, a daily injectable drug used to treat type 2 diabetes, was approved by the agency on Monday. This milestone may help address the persistent shortage of this essential medication and pave the way for more reasonably priced solutions.
Liraglutide, which is used daily rather than weekly, is a member of the same drug class as the well-known Ozempic and was first marketed by Novo Nordisk under the brand name Victoza. Hikma Pharmaceuticals will manufacture the recently authorized generic, which should be accessible across the country by the end of the year.
Hikma has verified that the generic version will be less expensive than branded Victoza, which now varies from $500 to $815 per box, though the precise price is yet unknown. Although large price cuts frequently necessitate many generic competitors, experts like Harvard Medical School’s Dr. Jody Dushay is optimistic that this generic will drastically lower expenses.
Even with this advancement, some patients could still favor more recent weekly injections like Ozempic and Wegovy, which have more advantages but are still pricey and not yet available in generic form.
However, the introduction of generic liraglutide, which offers diabetics an inexpensive lifeline, is seen by many as a move toward a more egalitarian healthcare system. Both patients and clinicians are hopeful that more accessibility will soon be possible as production picks up speed.
