How a lapsed patent opened Canada to generic semaglutide
Updated October 29, 2026. Background explainer from a Labiotech feature written before 2026, plus Global News on the April 2026 approval. Cited below.
Labiotech reports that Novo Nordisk did not pay a maintenance fee of about CAD 1,200, so its Canadian semaglutide patent lapsed in 2020.
- That is a big part of why Canada saw generics first.
The dates
| When | What |
|---|---|
| 2018 | Eight years of data exclusivity begins in Canada |
| 2020 | Patent reportedly lapses over an unpaid fee |
| Jan 2026 | Data exclusivity ends and generic entry expected |
| Apr 28, 2026 | Health Canada approves a first generic, see the approval story |
Accident or plan?
The article quotes a lawyer who thinks the lapse was likely deliberate, because the main protection was due to expire on January 4, 2026 anyway. That is one expert's opinion, not a confirmed fact.
What it means for prices
Analysts quoted expect prices to fall roughly 50% to 80% versus brand versions. Official pricing rules say the first generic lands near 75% to 85% of brand price, so real prices may differ.
Related: how approval works.
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Common questions
Did the patent really lapse?
Labiotech reports it did, in 2020, over an unpaid maintenance fee of about CAD 1,200.
Was it deliberate?
One lawyer quoted thinks so, but that is an opinion.
Will prices fall?
Analysts expect large drops, and pricing rules reduce generic prices further as more generics enter.
Sources
- Labiotech: Novo Nordisk semaglutide patent expiration in Canada (undated, written before 2026)
- Global News: Health Canada approves first generic Ozempic (Apr 28-29, 2026)
Summarised in my own words. Read the originals for the full detail.