While it $HIMS (-6.34%) will certainly not make it onto the market with their cheap "Wegovy copies", they will soon be joining $NOVO B (+10.5%) and $LLY (+4.15%) another pharmaceutical heavyweight (nice pun) in the GLP-1 sector will soon be entering the market: generics specialist $SDZ (+0.39%) from Switzerland
From Gemini:
Sandoz's planned GLP-1 products are primarily based on the active ingredient semaglutide.
As Sandoz specializes in the development of biosimilars and generics, the company aims to launch more cost-effective versions of the well-known originator products (such as Novo Nordisk's Ozempic® and Wegovy® ) as soon as their patent protection expires.
Details of Sandoz's drug strategy:
- Semaglutide: This is the most important active ingredient in the pipeline. Sandoz is preparing intensively for market entry, particularly in markets such as Canada, where patent protection for semaglutide expires in January 2026. Sandoz is expected to launch its own version there by mid-2026.
- Liraglutide: In addition to semaglutide, Sandoz also has biosimilars for liraglutide (the original preparation is Saxenda® or Victoza®) in development, as the patents here have already expired or will expire shortly in many regions.
- Technology: Sandoz uses both traditional chemical synthesis routes (for generics) and biotechnological processes (for biosimilars) for these complex molecules in order to ensure a high degree of conformity with the original product
Sandoz is a global leader in generics and biosimilars, now operating as an independent player in the market following its spin-off from Novartis in 2023. With a portfolio of around 1,500 products, the company covers almost all important therapeutic areas and relieves the burden on healthcare systems worldwide with low-cost generics. Its pioneering role in biosimilars (biotechnologically produced drugs) and its strong position as one of the last major vertically integrated antibiotics producers in Europe are particularly noteworthy.
