Sales of GLP-1 drugs in Canada have surged dramatically in the first half of 2026, reflecting growing demand for medications used to treat diabetes and support weight management. These drugs, which mimic gut hormones to regulate blood sugar and appetite, have become a dominant force in the pharmaceutical market.
According to aggregated prescription data from IQVIA Canada, retail sales of GLP-1 medications reached approximately CAD 2.4 billion from January to June 2026. This total includes CAD 1.49 billion for Ozempic, the semaglutide-containing drug produced by Danish company Novo Nordisk, followed by CAD 455 million for its sister drug Wegovy. Other notable GLP-1 drugs include Mounjaro and Zepbound, both containing tirzepatide and manufactured by U.S. firm Eli Lilly and Co., with sales of CAD 311 million and CAD 124 million respectively.
The data marks a significant leap from 2023 figures, potentially paving the way for total 2026 sales to reach nearly CAD 4.8 billion—substantially surpassing the CAD 3.9 billion recorded in 2025. This growth underscores the expanding market for GLP-1 therapies in addressing both diabetes and obesity.
For the first time, the sales report also incorporates generic versions of semaglutide, authorized for sale in Canada earlier this year. Canadian drugmaker Apotex Health Corp. recorded CAD 15 million in sales before the end of June, while Indian company Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories generated CAD 1 million in revenue. Both generics entered the market in the final weeks of the reporting period, with sales still modest.
Dr. Reddy’s disclosed in July that manufacturing challenges at its facility could lead to supply shortages through the remainder of 2026, potentially limiting growth for its product. Despite this, the introduction of generics represents a new phase in the Canadian GLP-1 market, which has been dominated by brand-name drugs until now.
The rapid rise in GLP-1 drug usage has had a significant impact on pharmacies, pharmaceutical companies, and health-technology firms. Analysts note that this momentum shows no signs of slowing, with the market poised for continued expansion as more patients seek treatment options for metabolic diseases.
As the year progresses, the pharmaceutical industry will closely monitor whether GLP-1 sales maintain this record-breaking pace across Canada, a trend that could have wide-ranging implications for drug pricing, insurance coverage, and patient access.