Health Canada approves generic GLP-1

Generic semaglutide (a generic alternative to Ozempic) for type 2 diabetes was approved by Health Canada in late April and early May 2026, making Canada the first G7 country to offer this option to plan members.

What you should know

Here’s what’s changing and what remains the same:

• Sun Life will continue requiring Prior Authorization for Ozempic and generic versions; our approval process stays the same.
• Plan members already approved for Ozempic will automatically access generic versions (no reapplication needed).
• Sun Life will apply generic substitution to claims for Ozempic once pharmacists can substitute the generic for the brand-name drug and the generic drug supply is widely available.

We’re sending out a communication to plan members who are currently taking Ozempic on July 21 to let them know about this change.

We’ll share this with plan sponsors in a Focus Update on July 16, 2026.

New in obesity treatment

Sevmia, a generic version of Wegovy for chronic weight management, was approved by Health Canada on June 29, 2026. We will continue to monitor these developments and provide updates as more information becomes available. Note that obesity coverage is an optional benefit at Sun Life that Clients can choose to add to their drug plan.

Questions? We’re here to help.

Please contact your Sun Life Group Benefits representative.