Teva Pharmaceuticals has received US approval for its generic version of liraglutide, a drug used to help with weight loss. This is the first generic version of a GLP-1 medication approved for obesity treatment. The drug, originally developed by Novo Nordisk as Saxenda, is now available as a more affordable option for adults who are obese or overweight with related health issues, as well as children weighing over 60 kg. Teva’s version will compete with Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy (semaglutide) and Eli Lilly’s Zepbound (tirzepatide), both of which are popular injectable weight loss treatments. Ernie Richardsen, Head of US Commercial Generics at Teva, highlighted that this approval is a significant addition to their growing portfolio of complex generic drugs. Meanwhile, Eli Lilly is developing a new oral GLP-1 drug called orforglipron for obesity. Recent Phase III trial results show that the highest dose of this once-daily pill helped participants lose an average of 22.9 lbs (10.5% of their body weight) over 72 weeks, along with improvements in blood sugar control and heart health. Compared to a placebo, the drug performed significantly better, with participants losing only 5.1 lbs (2.2%) on average. Kenneth Custer, President of Lilly Cardiometabolic Health, noted that these results suggest orforglipron could be as effective as existing injectable GLP-1 weight loss drugs. Lilly plans to submit this drug for global approval later this year.