Early Generic Semaglutide in Canada—Implications for US Patients and Policy

Generic semaglutide (Ozempic) is reaching Canada years ahead of the US following the lapse of the single Canadian patent on the product, while 39 patents could block generics in the US until 2041. The authors discuss the implications for US patients, noting that narrow importation pathways are unlikely to meaningfully improve patient access, and that real relief would require patent reform and Congressional authorization to recognize generic drugs approved by trusted regulators like Health Canada.