Drug Spotlight: liraglutide (brand name Victoza)

Manufacturer: Novo Nordisk (brand Victoza), Teva Pharmaceuticals/others (generic)
Launch Date: 6/24/2023

On June 24, 2024, drug manufacturer Teva Pharmaceuticals announced the launch of an authorized generic formulation of Novo Nordisk’s Victoza (liraglutide). This marks the first generic glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonist available in the U.S. market.

Liraglutide is an earlier generation GLP-1 medication—a class that includes the popular drugs Ozempic/Wegovy (semaglutide) and Mounjaro/Zepbound (tirzepatide). Although these drugs have proven effective for diabetes management and weight loss, they have also driven significant plan costs in recent years.

The launch of generic liraglutide is noteworthy for plans considering additional options for coverage of GLP-1 medications as part of their 2025 benefit.

Clinical Profile:

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists were initially developed to treat type 2 diabetes and have been found also to be effective weight loss medications. Unlike the weekly administration of the latest generation of GLP-1s, liraglutide is injected daily. Liraglutide is also only ≤50% as effective as the latest GLP-1s for weight loss.

Liraglutide has been approved for multiple indications since its initial launch in 2010:

• 2010: Victoza approved for adults with type 2 diabetes
• 2014: Brand name Saxenda approved for obesity in adults
• 2017: Victoza approved for reducing the risk of major adverse cardiovascular (CV) events, heart attack, stroke, and CV death in adults with type 2 diabetes and established CV disease
• 2019: Victoza approved for pediatric patients aged ten and over with type 2 diabetes
• 2020: Saxenda approved for obesity in adolescents aged 12-17

Population:
According to the CDC, approximately 38 million adults in the United States have diabetes (90-95% is type 2 diabetes). According to the FDA, approximately 70% of adults in the United States are either overweight or obese.

Management Strategy:
Authorized generics such as the Teva product are commonly priced to not provide a viable savings opportunity. However, ten or more additional generic manufacturers may launch in 2025 – providing a true, low-cost alternative GLP-1. The weight loss labeled Saxenda will not have its generic launch for another 2-3 years, so utilization management will need to be considered.

ClearScript will closely monitor developments and offer cost-containment strategies that align with your plan goals. Your ClearScript Account Team will keep you apprised of opportunities as the market evolves.

Contact your ClearScript Clinical Account Executive with questions.

References
Victoza Prescribing Information

Additional Information
Press Release