Health Canada has authorized the first generic semaglutide injection for chronic weight management, approving a product called Svemia filed by Canadian-based Apotex as a generic version of the brand-name drug Wegovy. Svemia is indicated as a once-weekly treatment for patients aged 12 and older, to be used alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity for long-term weight management.
The department granted authorization after reviewing evidence from Apotex showing that Svemia meets Canadian regulatory criteria for safety, efficacy and quality for generic drugs. The approved semaglutide injection is described as a complex synthetic product that is pharmaceutically equivalent to the reference biologic. Health Canada notes that its review ensures any differences between the generic and brand-name versions do not affect the drug’s safety, efficacy or quality.
This approval is the third generic semaglutide product cleared by Health Canada. The regulator is currently reviewing six additional submissions for generic semaglutide from different companies and expects to issue further decisions in the coming weeks and months. Apotex previously received Health Canada approval on May 1, 2026, for a generic semaglutide injection for once-weekly treatment of adults with type 2 diabetes to manage blood sugar, following Health Canada’s April 28, 2026 decision that made Canada the first G7 country to approve a generic semaglutide.
Health Canada points out that review timelines for generic drugs are shorter than those of many international regulators, and that generic medicines in Canada are often 45% to 90% cheaper than brand-name products. As with all authorized drugs, the department will continue monitoring the safety and effectiveness of generic semaglutide and has pledged to take action if any unexpected concerns arise.
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