First Generic GLP-1 Drug, Victoza, Similar to Ozempic, Now Available in the US

Teva Pharmaceuticals has launched a generic version of Novo Nordisk’s Victoza, the first generic GLP-1 drug available in the United States. 

This move aims to address the increasing demand for GLP-1 drugs used for treating type 2 diabetes and obesity.

Rising Demand for GLP-1 Drugs

The introduction of Teva’s generic Victoza comes at a time when the demand for GLP-1 drugs is surging. GLP-1 drugs like Eli Lilly’s Mounjaro, Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy, and Ozempic have gained popularity for their effectiveness in managing both diabetes and obesity. However, this increased demand has led to intermittent shortages over the past year, highlighting the need for more accessible and affordable options such as Teva’s generic Victoza.

Victoza’s Role and Benefits

Victoza lowers blood sugar levels in adults and children aged 10 and older with type 2 diabetes. It is a non-insulin, injectable, once-daily medication that helps patients who struggle to achieve their blood sugar goals with their current therapy.

Victoza is particularly effective in reducing A1C levels. The A1C test measures a person’s average blood sugar level over the past two to three months, providing a comprehensive overview of their blood glucose management. In clinical studies, many adults taking Victoza achieved the American Diabetes Association’s target A1C level of less than 7.0%. Victoza’s impact is often noticeable within two weeks, and it has been shown to maintain reduced blood sugar levels over a two-year period.

In clinical trials, Victoza 1.8 mg, whether taken alone or with other diabetes medications, lowered A1C levels in adults by an average of 1.0% to 1.5%. This reduction is significant, as even a 1% drop in A1C can greatly improve the management of type 2 diabetes and reduce the risk of complications.

How Victoza Works

Victoza works in three primary ways to lower blood sugar levels. First, it slows the rate at which food leaves the stomach, which helps prevent sharp increases in blood sugar after meals. Second, it reduces the amount of sugar produced by the liver. 

Finally, Victoza helps the pancreas produce more insulin when blood sugar levels are high, which is crucial for managing diabetes effectively. These combined actions mimic the natural hormone GLP-1 (7-37), which represents less than 20% of the total circulating GLP-1 produced by the body.

While Victoza is not specifically a weight-loss product, many adults with type 2 diabetes experience weight loss when using it. Clinical studies ranging from 26 to 52 weeks showed that patients lost an average of up to 2.8 kg (6.2 pounds) when Victoza was added to their regimen, particularly in combination with metformin. Weight loss is an important goal for many individuals with type 2 diabetes, as recommended by the American Diabetes Association.

Safety and Usage Information

Victoza may cause serious side effects, including potential thyroid tumours and cancer. Patients should inform their healthcare provider if they notice any lumps or swelling in their neck, hoarseness, trouble swallowing, or shortness of breath, as these could be symptoms of thyroid cancer. In animal studies, Victoza and similar medications caused thyroid tumours, but it is not confirmed if Victoza causes these tumours in humans.

Patients should not use Victoza if they or any family members have a history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or an endocrine system condition called Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2. Additionally, those allergic to liraglutide or any ingredients in Victoza should avoid using it.

Common Side Effects

Common side effects of the medication include nausea, diarrhoea, vomiting, decreased appetite, indigestion, and constipation. Some patients may experience inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis), symptoms of which include severe abdominal pain that does not go away, with or without vomiting. Other potential side effects include low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia), kidney problems, serious allergic reactions, and gallbladder issues.

The launch of Teva’s generic version of Victoza offers a new, affordable option for managing type 2 diabetes, addressing the high demand for GLP-1 drugs. This introduction is timely, given the rising popularity of GLP-1 drugs for treating diabetes and obesity.

References

1. Teva launches generic version of Novo Nordisk’s diabetes drug Victoza. (2024, June 25). https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/teva-launches-generic-version-novo-nordisks-diabetes-drug-victoza-2024-06-24/
2. Victoza® for Type 2 Diabetes. (n.d.). https://www.victoza.com/