End of patent protection for weight loss injections benefits patients
Patent protection for semaglutide in weight loss injections like Ozempic and Wegovy is expiring in Europe. This paves the way for cheaper generics to enter the market and could lower high prices. Patients with obesity stand to benefit from improved access.
Weight loss injections Ozempic and Wegovy, based on the active ingredient semaglutide, have made headlines in recent years. Developed by Danish pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk, they were initially approved for diabetes treatment but also show strong effects in weight reduction. High demand has led to shortages and prices in Germany reaching up to 300 euros per month.
The situation is changing: Patent protection for semaglutide ends in Europe in 2026, as recently confirmed by the Federal Patent Court in Munich. In the US, it expires in 2031, but in the EU, the market opens earlier to competitors. Experts see this as an opportunity for patients. 'The end of patent protection will drive down prices and make therapy more accessible for many,' says Dr. Anna Müller, diabetologist at Charité in Berlin.
Novo Nordisk lost the patent dispute against generic manufacturers like Indian firm Sun Pharma. The company argued for a patent extension, which was rejected. As a result, biosimilars could enter the market from 2026, priced 30-50 percent lower. In Germany, where around 20 million people suffer from obesity, this could close treatment gaps.
The background is the success of the injections: Clinical studies show patients can lose up to 15 percent of their body weight. However, doctors warn of side effects like nausea and the need for long-term therapy. The patent decision could also improve research, as more competition fosters innovation. Novo Nordisk plans to respond with new formulations to maintain its market leadership.