Teva Pharmaceuticals has launched the first-ever generic GLP-1 drug in the United States, a move that has been met with cautious optimism by experts in the field. The new generic form of the popular Victoza drug is part of a class of medications that includes other well-known drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Zepbound.
While the introduction of a generic GLP-1 drug provides an additional treatment option for patients with type 2 diabetes, there are concerns about the cost of the medication. Dr. Caroline Apovian, a Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School, expressed her reservations about the pricing of the generic drug, questioning how much Teva Pharmaceuticals will charge for it. Similarly, Dr. Sun Kim, an Associate Professor of Endocrinology at Stanford Medicine, highlighted the high prices of the generic liraglutide and its potential inferiority to higher doses of other GLP-1 drugs.
The wholesale acquisition cost of the generic Victoza is expected to be 13.6% lower than the original drug. However, the estimated prices of a two-pack and three-pack of injection pens are still quite steep, raising concerns about affordability for patients.
Experts also noted that Victoza may not be as effective as newer GLP-1 drugs like semaglutide and tirzepatide. Clinical trials have shown that these novel agents outperform liraglutide in terms of weight loss and lowering A1C levels.
While the introduction of a generic GLP-1 drug is a positive development for the market, concerns remain about its cost and effectiveness compared to newer medications. The availability of more treatment options is beneficial for patients, but the barriers of affordability and efficacy need to be carefully considered by healthcare providers and pharmaceutical companies.