1. Rising Popularity of Anti-Obesity Drugs
In recent years, global demand for anti-obesity drugs has surged dramatically. This shift reflects not merely cosmetic purposes, but the recognition of obesity as a major risk factor for chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disorders, diabetes, and hypertension, thereby reinforcing its status as a therapeutic target. In particular, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists have demonstrated both glycemic control and weight reduction effects. Expanding their indications from diabetes treatment to obesity management, GLP-1 receptor agonists have rapidly become blockbuster drugs in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries.
2. Peptide Sequences and Characteristics of Major GLP-1-Based Anti-Obesity Drugs
(1) Saxenda (Active Ingredient: Liraglutide) – Novo Nordisk
- Base Sequence: Derived from the human GLP-1 (7–37) amino acid sequence (31 amino acids in total).
- His - Ala - Glu - Gly - Thr - Phe - Thr - Ser - Asp - Val - Ser - Ser - Tyr - Leu - Glu - Gly - Gln - Ala - Ala - Lys - Glu - Phe - Ile - Ala - Trp - Leu - Val - Lys - Gly - Arg
- Modifications:
- Substitution of Ala with Arg at position 8
- Conjugation of a C16 palmitic acid to Lys26 via a γ-Glu spacer → enhanced albumin binding and prolonged half-life
- Administration: Approved for obesity treatment (Saxenda) at a maximum daily subcutaneous dose of 3.0 mg.
(2) Wegovy (Active Ingredient: Semaglutide) – Novo Nordisk
- Base Sequence: Also derived from GLP-1 (7–37), but different from saxenda in certain substitutions.
- Modifications:
- Substitution of Ala at position 8 with Aib (α-aminoisobutyric acid, a non-natural amino acid) → enhanced resistance to DPP-4 degradation
- Conjugation of a C18 stearic acid to Lys26 via an OEG spacer → maximized albumin binding and significantly extended half-life
- Administration: Administered as a once-weekly subcutaneous injection, demonstrating greater weight reduction efficacy compared to Saxenda.
In addition, Eli Lilly’s Mounjaro, recently launched in Korea, is a dual agonist that simultaneously activates both GLP-1 and GIP receptors. It has been reported to demonstrate greater weight loss efficacy compared to GLP-1 receptor mono agonist such as Wegovy and Saxenda.
Moreover, the oral formulation of semaglutide, Rybelsus, has been approved not only by the U.S. FDA but also by regulatory authorities in the United Kingdom, Spain, Denmark, other European countries, and Japan.
3. Launch of Teva’s Generic version of GLP-1-Based Obesity Drug
In August 2025, Teva launched the world’s first generic version of Saxenda, a GLP-1-based obesity treatment (active ingredient: liraglutide). To bring a generic to market, a company must declare its position regarding patents associated with the original FDA-approved drug:
a) assert that the patent has expired,
b) wait until the patent expires, or
c) challenge the patent on the grounds that it is invalid or that the generic does not infringe it.
Liraglutide was initially approved in the U.S. in 2009 as a treatment for type 2 diabetes, followed by approval for obesity(chronic weight management) treatment at a 3 mg dosage in 2015, and later for cardiovascular risk reduction in 2017, each of which is covered by corresponding patents.
To launch its liraglutide generic primarily for diabetes treatment, Teva needed to challenge several patents held by the original developer, Novo Nordisk. Through settlements during ongoing litigation, Teva successfully launched the generic version of Victoza(liraglutide) for diabetes in the U.S. in June 2024, and subsequently, in August 2025, launched the world’s first generic version of Saxenda (liraglutide 3mg), a GLP-1-based obesity treatment.
4. Key Patents of the Original Developer, Novo Nordisk
Among the patent disputes between Teva and Novo Nordisk, the key patent for liraglutide is known as US Patent 8,114,833. Its representative claims are defined as:
- a pharmaceutical composition comprising a GLP-1 agonist,
- a disodium phosphate dihydrate buffer,
- a formulation with a pH of 7 to 10, and
- containing propylene glycol at 1 mg/mL to 100 mg/mL.
Notably, element 1. is broad enough that the term “GLP-1 agonist” could be interpreted to include semaglutide, while elements 2 through 4 are also applicable to semaglutide formulations. Additionally, Novo Nordisk holds separate patents covering semaglutide formulations that include preservatives such as phenol.
In addition, the original developer has sought to extend market exclusivity even after the expiration of patents for its mega-blockbuster obesity treatments through device and indication patents. In response, competitors are expected to rapidly develop GLP-1 advance pipelines and generics, shifting from GLP-1 mono-agonists to dual and triple agonists.
The launch of a generic liraglutide is highly symbolic as the first instance of a GLP-1 class patent expiration, but it also marks the beginning of a fully competitive landscape. The original developer, Novo Nordisk, is attempting to extend its exclusivity through device and indication patents, while competitors are seeking differentiation through dual- and triple-action agents and novel formulations. Consequently, the future market is expected to evolve beyond simple generic competition, focusing instead on formulation innovation, multi-mechanism drugs, and expanded indications.
By Yeonsoo Park
Patent Attorney, BLT Patent & law Firm: www.en.blt.kr
#GLP1 #ObesityTreatment #Liraglutide #Semaglutide #Saxenda #Wegovy #Victoza #Rybelsus #Mounjaro #Teva #Generic #PharmaBio #DrugDevelopment #BlockbusterDrug #DualAgonist #TripleAgonist #MarketShift #HealthcareInnovation #PatentStrategy #PatentLitigation #Patent #PatentRights #IntellectualProperty #PatentLawFirm #PatentAttorney
1. Rising Popularity of Anti-Obesity Drugs
In recent years, global demand for anti-obesity drugs has surged dramatically. This shift reflects not merely cosmetic purposes, but the recognition of obesity as a major risk factor for chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disorders, diabetes, and hypertension, thereby reinforcing its status as a therapeutic target. In particular, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists have demonstrated both glycemic control and weight reduction effects. Expanding their indications from diabetes treatment to obesity management, GLP-1 receptor agonists have rapidly become blockbuster drugs in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries.
2. Peptide Sequences and Characteristics of Major GLP-1-Based Anti-Obesity Drugs
(1) Saxenda (Active Ingredient: Liraglutide) – Novo Nordisk
(2) Wegovy (Active Ingredient: Semaglutide) – Novo Nordisk
In addition, Eli Lilly’s Mounjaro, recently launched in Korea, is a dual agonist that simultaneously activates both GLP-1 and GIP receptors. It has been reported to demonstrate greater weight loss efficacy compared to GLP-1 receptor mono agonist such as Wegovy and Saxenda.
Moreover, the oral formulation of semaglutide, Rybelsus, has been approved not only by the U.S. FDA but also by regulatory authorities in the United Kingdom, Spain, Denmark, other European countries, and Japan.
3. Launch of Teva’s Generic version of GLP-1-Based Obesity Drug
In August 2025, Teva launched the world’s first generic version of Saxenda, a GLP-1-based obesity treatment (active ingredient: liraglutide). To bring a generic to market, a company must declare its position regarding patents associated with the original FDA-approved drug:
a) assert that the patent has expired,
b) wait until the patent expires, or
c) challenge the patent on the grounds that it is invalid or that the generic does not infringe it.
Liraglutide was initially approved in the U.S. in 2009 as a treatment for type 2 diabetes, followed by approval for obesity(chronic weight management) treatment at a 3 mg dosage in 2015, and later for cardiovascular risk reduction in 2017, each of which is covered by corresponding patents.
To launch its liraglutide generic primarily for diabetes treatment, Teva needed to challenge several patents held by the original developer, Novo Nordisk. Through settlements during ongoing litigation, Teva successfully launched the generic version of Victoza(liraglutide) for diabetes in the U.S. in June 2024, and subsequently, in August 2025, launched the world’s first generic version of Saxenda (liraglutide 3mg), a GLP-1-based obesity treatment.
4. Key Patents of the Original Developer, Novo Nordisk
Among the patent disputes between Teva and Novo Nordisk, the key patent for liraglutide is known as US Patent 8,114,833. Its representative claims are defined as:
Notably, element 1. is broad enough that the term “GLP-1 agonist” could be interpreted to include semaglutide, while elements 2 through 4 are also applicable to semaglutide formulations. Additionally, Novo Nordisk holds separate patents covering semaglutide formulations that include preservatives such as phenol.
In addition, the original developer has sought to extend market exclusivity even after the expiration of patents for its mega-blockbuster obesity treatments through device and indication patents. In response, competitors are expected to rapidly develop GLP-1 advance pipelines and generics, shifting from GLP-1 mono-agonists to dual and triple agonists.
The launch of a generic liraglutide is highly symbolic as the first instance of a GLP-1 class patent expiration, but it also marks the beginning of a fully competitive landscape. The original developer, Novo Nordisk, is attempting to extend its exclusivity through device and indication patents, while competitors are seeking differentiation through dual- and triple-action agents and novel formulations. Consequently, the future market is expected to evolve beyond simple generic competition, focusing instead on formulation innovation, multi-mechanism drugs, and expanded indications.
By Yeonsoo Park
Patent Attorney, BLT Patent & law Firm: www.en.blt.kr
#GLP1 #ObesityTreatment #Liraglutide #Semaglutide #Saxenda #Wegovy #Victoza #Rybelsus #Mounjaro #Teva #Generic #PharmaBio #DrugDevelopment #BlockbusterDrug #DualAgonist #TripleAgonist #MarketShift #HealthcareInnovation #PatentStrategy #PatentLitigation #Patent #PatentRights #IntellectualProperty #PatentLawFirm #PatentAttorney