08
Jan
Ottawa (Rajeev Sharma): Health Canada is reviewing nine submissions for generic versions of popular weight-loss and diabetes medications, a move that could eventually reduce treatment costs for Canadians. The applications are for generic forms of semaglutide, the active ingredient used in Novo Nordisk’s branded drugs Ozempic and Wegovy, which are approved in Canada for diabetes management and weight loss. Semaglutide belongs to the glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) class of medications that work by mimicking a natural gut hormone to control blood sugar levels, slow digestion and increase feelings of fullness. While effective, the drugs can cause side effects such as nausea,…