Health Canada Approves Second Generic Semaglutide (Apotex) on May 1 — Canada Becomes First G7 Country With Two Approved Ozempic Generics
Health Canada announced May 1 approval of a second generic semaglutide injection, filed by Canadian-based Apotex as a generic version of Novo Nordisk's Ozempic. The April 28, 2026 first approval (Dr. Reddy's Laboratories) was followed three days later by the Apotex green light, making Canada the first G7 country with two approved generic semaglutide products. Health Canada is currently reviewing seven additional generic submissions. Patent context: Canadian patent protection lapsed earlier than expected after a Novo Nordisk maintenance-fee issue. Sandoz separately targets a Q3 2026 commercial launch and the company has projected 45-90% price reductions versus brand-name Ozempic. US patent protection runs through December 2031.