Teva Pharmaceuticals has received the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for a generic version of Saxenda (liraglutide injection).
The company is commercially launching the drug, used in combination with a calorie-restricted diet and increased physical activity.
With the FDA approval, Saxenda becomes the first generic glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist available for weight loss in the US.
The newly approved liraglutide injection is intended for adults with obesity or excess weight linked to medical conditions.
It is also indicated for children aged 12 to 17 years with obesity and weighing over 60kg.
The drug addresses the increasing demand for weight management therapies in the US, in line with its strategy to expand its complex generic medicine portfolio.
The launch of the generic version of Saxenda could significantly impact the weight loss treatment landscape with a more accessible option for patients.
Teva SVP, US commercial generics head Ernie Richardsen said: “With this approval, and by launching a generic for Saxenda (liraglutide injection), we will provide patients in the US the first-ever generic GLP-1 product specifically indicated for weight loss.
“This is the fifth first-to-market entry of a Teva generic this year and is an important addition to Teva’s diverse complex generics portfolio, demonstrating once again our proven ability to sustain a world-class Generics Powerhouse.”
Recently, Teva Pharmaceutical Industries partnered with Shanghai Fosun Pharmaceutical for the development of TEV-56278.
The collaboration focuses on improving clinical data for the investigational therapy, which employs Teva’s proprietary Attenukine technology.
