Teva Pharmaceuticals Launches Liraglutide Injection 1.8 mg, First Generic GLP-1 in the US

Teva Pharmaceuticals has announced the launch of liraglutide injection (Victoza) 1.8 mg, the first generic glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) medication available in the US. Liraglutide is indicated for use in adults and children aged 10 years and older with type 2 diabetes (T2D) to improve glycemic control.¹

Liraglutide is also indicated to reduce the risk of cardiovascular events in adults with T2D and established cardiovascular disease.

The launch of this generic “supports increased demand for this category of therapies in the US market,” noted a company press release. “We are providing patients with type 2 diabetes another option for this important treatment,” said Ernie Richardsen, senior vice president, head of US commercial generics at Teva.

READ MORE: GLP-1s, SGLT2 Inhibitors Reduce Progression of CKD

As of April 2024, Victoza, manufactured by Novo Nordisk, saw annual sales of $1.656 billion.

Victoza was granted FDA approval for use in adults with T2D on January 25, 2010.² In June 2019, the FDA approved the medication for use in children aged 10 years and older with T2D. With that approval, it became the first non-insulin medication approved to treat T2D in a pediatric population since the approval of metformin in 2000.³

Like Victoza, liraglutide injection 1.8 mg should not be used in those with type 1 diabetes, nor should it be used with other medications containing liraglutide. Liraglutide injection may lead to serious side effects, including thyroid tumors. Patients with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer should not use liraglutide injection 1.8 mg.

Potential adverse effects include pancreatitis and hypoglycemia, as well as kidney failure, gallbladder issues, and serious allergic reactions. The most common adverse effects include nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, decreased appetite, indigestion, and constipation.

READ MORE: Diabetes Resource Center

References

1. Teva announces launch of authorized generic of Victoza (liraglutide injection 1.8 mg), in the United States. News release. Teva Pharmaceuticals. June 24, 2024. Accessed June 25, 2024. https://www.tevapharm.com/news-and-media/latest-news/teva-announces-launch-of-authorized-generic-of-victoza-liraglutide-injection-1.8mg-in-the-united-stat/

2. Victoza. Drug approval package. FDA. April 20, 2010. Accessed June 25, 2024. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/nda/2010/022341s000TOC.cfm

3. FDA approves new treatment for pediatric patients with type 2 diabetes. News release. FDA. June 17, 2019. Accessed June 25, 2024. https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-new-treatment-pediatric-patients-type-2-diabetes