The Decibel Skinny, Inc. Part 2: The big business of Ozempic
Mar 2, 2026
Kelly Grant, a Globe health reporter who covers drug coverage and clinical access, and Chris Hannay, a Globe business-of-health reporter who explains pharma economics and patents. They discuss why semaglutide (Ozempic/Wegovy) exploded in use. They cover generics arriving in Canada, expected price drops, how coverage differs across public and private plans, and how virtual pharmacies screen for prescriptions.
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Why Canada Gets Generic Semaglutide First
- Patent expiry lets other companies make semaglutide generics in Canada, lowering prices and expanding access.
- Novo Nordisk allowed its semaglutide patent to lapse early, making Canada the first major country where generics are legal starting 2026.
How Much Generics Could Cut Ozempic Prices
- If three different generic semaglutide products enter the market, prices could drop to about 35% of the current Ozempic list price.
- Ozempic list price is $223 for a four-week supply before markups by payers and pharmacies.
List Price Is Not What Patients Pay
- The $223 list price for a four-week Ozempic supply is often higher at purchase due to insurer and pharmacy markups.
- Markups vary: wholesalers ~5.5% plus pharmacies adding roughly 8–20% depending on payer type.