Biocon Limited, alongside its European partner Zentiva, has successfully obtained approval for their generic version of Liraglutide in the European Union (EU), as announced on December 24, 2024. This regulatory milestone allows the companies to market their generic formulations of two popular Novo Nordisk drugs, Victoza and Saxenda, in the EU.
The approval, granted through the Decentralized Procedure (DCP), covers Liraglutide-based treatments for Type-2 diabetes and weight management. Victoza® is primarily used to treat Type-2 diabetes, while Saxenda® is designed for weight loss. Both drugs have become integral in managing these conditions, and the introduction of generic alternatives offers patients more affordable treatment options.
This achievement is a significant step in Biocon’s continued expansion into the European pharmaceutical market. The approval of Liraglutide strengthens Biocon's portfolio of complex generics, demonstrating the company’s commitment to providing accessible healthcare solutions. Liraglutide belongs to a class of medications that have gained significant attention due to their effectiveness in both controlling blood sugar and aiding weight management.
The Decentralized Procedure approval allows the medicine to be authorized in multiple EU member states simultaneously, making it easier for the drug to be distributed across the region. This process also enables Biocon and Zentiva to provide a cost-effective alternative to the established medicines, potentially improving access to essential treatments for millions of people with Type-2 diabetes and obesity.
Biocon and Zentiva’s success underscores their shared dedication to improving public health by offering affordable and effective treatment options. By providing a generic alternative, they aim to alleviate the financial burden on healthcare systems and patients while meeting the growing demand for affordable medicines.
The approval further enhances Biocon’s position in the global generics market and aligns with the company’s broader goal of expanding its range of quality, affordable therapies for chronic conditions. As healthcare systems increasingly turn to generics to reduce costs, this approval represents a critical step toward improving patient care and expanding access to essential treatments.