On 25 February 2026, Jiuyuan Genetic Biopharmaceutical announced in a filing with the Hong Kong Stock Exchange that China’s National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) has accepted for review its marketing authorisation application for Jikeqin®, a generic version of Novartis’ Wegovy® (semaglutide). Jikeqin® is intended for weight management in individuals with obesity or who are overweight.
A phase III clinical trial of Jikeqin®, approved in China in January 2024, has been completed and Jiuyuan Genetic has submitted the results to the Center for Drug Evaluation of NMPA for review.
Generic versions of Wegovy® are in development by a number of companies. In January 2026, it was reported that Sun Pharmaceutical, Zydus Lifesciences and Alkem Laboratories had received approval in India to manufacture and sell generic versions of Novartis’ Wegovy® and Ozempic®. According to Zydus, it plans to launch its Semaglutide Injection (15mg/3ml) in India under the brand names Semaglyn™, Mashema™ and Alterme™ “upon semaglutide patent expiry”.
In July 2025, it was reported that Dr Reddy’s plans to launch its generic version of Wegovy® in 87 countries in 2026, beginning with Canada, India, Brazil, Turkey and other emerging markets, subject to patent expiry. According to a February 2026 report, Dr Reddy’s is hoping to launch the generic in India at a price that could be up to 60% lower than Novartis’ Wegovy®.
Health Canada is reviewing 9 submissions for generic semaglutide, including applications by Sandoz, Apotex, Teva, Aspen Pharmacare and Taro Pharmaceuticals. It was reported in September 2024 that Sandoz was planning a 2026 generic semaglutide launch in Canada. Novo Nordisk’s semaglutide patent has expired in Canada and regulatory exclusivity expired in January 2026.