Fact checked byRichard Smith

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June 24, 2024
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First generic GLP-1 receptor agonist launched

Fact checked byRichard Smith
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Key takeaways:

  • The first generic GLP-1 receptor agonist in the U.S. has been launched.
  • Liraglutide 1.8 mg is indicated for glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes and reduction of heart events in certain patients.

Teva Pharmaceuticals announced it has launched the first generic version of a GLP-1 receptor agonist in the United States, liraglutide 1.8 mg.

GLP-1 receptor agonists have demonstrated benefits in diabetes, cardiovascular and kidney outcomes as well as weight loss. The generic version of liraglutide 1.8 mg is indicated to improve glycemic control in patients aged 10 years or older with type 2 diabetes and to reduce risk for CV events in adults with type 2 diabetes and established heart disease, according to a press release issued by the company.

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The first generic GLP-1 receptor agonist in the U.S. has been launched.

The brand-name version of liraglutide 1.8 mg (Victoza, Novo Nordisk) had annual sales of $1.656 billion as of April, according to the release.

“By launching an authorized generic for Victoza (liraglutide injection 1.8 mg), we are providing patients with type 2 diabetes another option for this important treatment,” Ernie Richardsen, senior vice president and head of U.S. commercial generics at Teva, said in the release. “In addition to strengthening Teva’s diverse complex generics portfolio, we are providing the first generic GLP-1 product to the U.S. marketplace, demonstrating once again our ability to sustain a generics powerhouse.”

Liraglutide 1.8 mg is not indicated for patients with type 1 diabetes and has not been tested in children younger than 10 years. The most common adverse events of liraglutide injection may include nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, decreased appetite, indigestion and constipation. The most serious adverse events of liraglutide may include pancreatitis, hypoglycemia and thyroid tumors.