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With Novo Nordisk's patent protection for liraglutide now expired, the UK is set to welcome the first wave of generic weight loss medicines. The British Generic Manufacturers Association (BGMA), the trade body for off-patent medicines, believes these generic versions could "provide could provide much-needed capacity to meet growing demand and alleviate shortages." Liraglutide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist, is primarily used to treat type 2 diabetes and obesity. Novo Nordisk markets liraglutide under the brand names Victoza (for type 2 diabetes and Saxenda (for weight loss). In a statement released on 20 November 2024, the BGMA confirmed that "liraglutide's patent protection was no longer in force, marking the first time generic versions of diabetes and weight loss treatments can be available in the UK." The BGMA anticipates that at least four companies will obtain UK marketing authorisations for generics targeting type 2 diabetes and obesity. However, it remains uncertain how many will launch immediately.

Victoza (liraglutide) 6mg/mL pre-filled injection pens, previously used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), have been out of stock in the UK since August 2023. Novo Nordisk has confirmed to The Pharmaceutical Journal that the product has now been discontinued as part of their broader strategy to consolidate their portfolio. The Danish pharmaceutical company said that they are in close dialogue with the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), which is expected to release guidance outlining timelines, alternative treatments, and recommended next steps for healthcare professionals. However, the company clarified that they have no plans to discontinue Saxenda (liraglutide) pre-filled injection pens, though this product has also faced supply restrictions in the UK since shortages began. The DHSC initially announced a national shortage of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs), including Victoza, in June 2023. At that time, prescribers were advised to limit use of these drugs for their licensed indications and to avoid initiating new GLP-1 RA therapies for T2DM patients during the shortage.

Kent and Medway prescribe the highest number of semaglutide, liraglutide and tirzepeptide - drugs that are commonly used for treating type 2 diabetes, weight loss, or both - in the UK, according to recent research by Click Pharmacy. Called GLP-1 agonists, these drugs mimic the effects of the GLP-1 hormone, which is released by the body after eating. This hormone slows digestion, stimulates insulin release, and inhibits glucagon, a hormone that raises blood sugar, making GLP-1 agonists effective treatments for diabetes and weight management. The online pharmacy's research reveals that Kent and Medway prescribed the most of these drugs in the month of June 2024, with 6,326 prescriptions. Other NHS Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) with high prescription rates included: Black Country and West Birmingham (5,019) Hampshire, Southampton, and Isle of Wight (4,960) Birmingham and Solihull (4,775) North Central London (4,528) North East London (3,557) North West London (3,498) Cambridgeshire and Peterborough (2,973) Coventry and Warwickshire (2,912) Norfolk and Waveny (2,575) Brighton and Hove topped the list for prescribing Wegovy, a weight-loss drug containing semaglutide, with 35 prescriptions made out in June alone.