Teva Launches First Generic GLP-1 for Weight Loss Amid Ongoing Market Developments

Teva Pharmaceuticals received FDA approval on August 27-28, 2025, for the first generic version of liraglutide (Saxenda), indicated for weight loss in adults and adolescents with obesity, and launched it immediately to address global GLP-1 shortages.134

This marks the first generic GLP-1 specifically for weight management, offering lower prices compared to branded versions amid high demand.14

Additional generics for Saxenda may be approved on or after February 24, 2026; generic liraglutide (Victoza) for diabetes is already available, and exenatide (Byetta) generic launched in late 2024.3

Novo Nordisk's semaglutide patents expire in 2026 in countries like India and China, potentially enabling more generics soon.8

Upcoming approvals include Eli Lilly's obesity pill orforglipron expected in Q2 2026 and a Wegovy oral pill approved December 22, 2025.25

Semaglutide injection shortages resolved by February 2025.36

Sources:

1. https://www.bioxconomy.com/modalities/teva-wins-fda-approval-for-first-generic-weight-loss-glp-1

2. https://www.tpr.org/2026-01-01/whats-ahead-for-the-weight-loss-drugs-known-as-glp-1s-in-2026

3. https://www.primetherapeutics.com/glp-1-pipeline-update-november-2025

4. https://ir.tevapharm.com/news-and-events/press-releases/press-release-details/2025/Teva-Announces-FDA-Approval-and-Launch-of-Generic-Saxenda-liraglutide-injection--First-Generic-GLP-1-Indicated-for-Weight-Loss/default.aspx

5. https://www.biopharmadive.com/news/lilly-obesity-pill-orforglipron-fda-decision-dtc-sales/809598/

6. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/fda-clarifies-policies-compounders-national-glp-1-supply-begins-stabilize

8. https://cen.acs.org/pharmaceuticals/Looming-GLP-1-drug-patent/103/web/2025/12