Why in News?
Indian pharmaceutical company Dr Reddy’s Laboratories has launched a generic version of semaglutide injection in Canada. Semaglutide is a key drug used to manage type 2 diabetes and is also prescribed off‑label for weight loss. Canada is the first G7 nation to approve a generic form of this medicine.
Background
Semaglutide belongs to a class of medications known as glucagon‑like peptide‑1 (GLP‑1) receptor agonists. GLP‑1 is a hormone released from the gut after eating that stimulates insulin secretion and suppresses glucagon (a hormone that raises blood glucose). Pharmaceutical versions of GLP‑1 were introduced in 2005 to improve blood sugar control in people with type 2 diabetes. Since then, drugs such as liraglutide and semaglutide have been developed, with semaglutide offering the convenience of once‑weekly injection.
In 2023 the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved a higher‑dose formulation of semaglutide for chronic weight management under the brand name Wegovy. The drug’s popularity surged as users experienced significant weight loss, but its high cost prompted calls for generic versions. Dr Reddy’s received authorisation from Health Canada in April 2026, enabling more affordable access.
How Semaglutide Works
- Insulin secretion: Semaglutide mimics the GLP‑1 hormone by binding to its receptors in the pancreas, prompting beta cells to release insulin when blood glucose levels are high.
- Suppressing glucagon: It reduces the release of glucagon from alpha cells, lowering hepatic glucose production.
- Slowing digestion: The drug delays gastric emptying, causing food to move more slowly from the stomach to the small intestine. This leads to prolonged satiety and helps reduce overall calorie intake.
- Weight loss effect: By increasing feelings of fullness and reducing appetite, semaglutide often causes weight loss in addition to improving glycaemic control. It may also reduce risks of heart attack and stroke in people with type 2 diabetes.
Uses and Precautions
- Indications: Semaglutide is prescribed to adults with type 2 diabetes, alongside diet and exercise, to lower blood sugar. At higher doses it is used for chronic weight management in individuals with obesity or overweight.
- Administration: The injection is typically given once weekly under the skin of the abdomen, thigh or upper arm. Patients should rotate injection sites to avoid irritation.
- Side effects: Common adverse effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation and abdominal discomfort. Rarely, it can cause pancreatitis or gallbladder problems. Patients should inform their healthcare provider if they have a history of pancreatitis, kidney disease or gastrointestinal disorders.
- Lifestyle changes: Doctors recommend combining semaglutide with dietary modifications and regular physical activity for optimal results.
Conclusion
The approval of a generic semaglutide injection could make this effective therapy more accessible. However, patients should use it under medical supervision, adhering to lifestyle advice to maximise benefits and minimise risks.
Source: Economic Times
