A telehealth company announced Thursday that it has started providing Canadian patients with type 2 diabetes access to a generic alternative to a popular diabetes medication through its online platform.
Hims & Hers Health revealed it is distributing a generic form of semaglutide, the key component found in Novo Nordisk’s widely-used diabetes drug Ozempic, to Canadian customers. This represents the telehealth company’s initial venture into international generic GLP-1 medication distribution.
The generic medication comes from Apotex Inc, which the company describes as Canada’s largest globally-operating health company. This development became possible after Novo’s patent protection for semaglutide expired, creating opportunities for multiple pharmaceutical companies to introduce generic alternatives in the Canadian marketplace.
Canadian health authorities gave their approval to Apotex’s medication earlier this month. The previous week saw the company introduce its generic product, Apo-Semaglutide Injection, designed for weekly administration in adults managing type 2 diabetes.
Another pharmaceutical company, Indian drugmaker Dr Reddy’s, also secured approval last month and has introduced its own generic alternative in Canada.
The original Ozempic medication costs Canadian patients between C$200 ($145.27) and C$400 monthly, with pricing varying based on dosage strength, geographic location, and insurance coverage.
“When more affordable options enter the GLP-1 space, it becomes more dynamic, and prices fall across the board. That benefits patients everywhere, regardless of where they seek care,” stated Sandy Van, chief medical officer at Hims & Hers Canada.
The telehealth company indicated that Canadian patients can access customized treatment plans beginning at C$149 monthly.
Company representatives mentioned they remain open to establishing partnerships with additional manufacturers in Canada, though they declined to provide specific details about future collaborations.
