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Teva Pharmaceutical shares climbed nearly 3% after the company announced a major step forward. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved Teva’s generic version of Saxenda, a well-known weight loss drug. The launch marks the very first generic GLP-1 medicine in the U.S. that is specifically approved for weight loss.
The drug, liraglutide injection, is aimed at meeting the strong demand for weight management treatments. It is approved for adults who are obese or overweight with health issues linked to their weight. It is also cleared for teens between 12 and 17 years old who weigh more than 60 kilograms and are struggling with obesity.
Teva said the launch will give patients in the U.S. a lower-cost option compared to the branded version. Ernie Richardsen, head of U.S. Commercial Generics at Teva, called it an important milestone, saying it opens access to the first-ever generic GLP-1 drug designed for weight loss.
This approval also fits into Teva’s broader strategy. The company has been pushing what it calls its “Pivot to Growth Strategy,” which focuses on complex generics. In fact, this is already the fifth first-to-market generic Teva has introduced this year.
The original branded drug, Saxenda, brought in around $165 million in sales in the 12 months leading up to June 2025. That shows how strong the market for weight-loss treatments has become, especially as more patients and doctors turn to GLP-1 medicines.
Liraglutide injection works by mimicking a natural hormone called GLP-1. It helps control appetite and should be used alongside a lower-calorie diet and more physical activity. However, it is not meant for patients already using liraglutide or other GLP-1 drugs.
With this move, Teva has positioned itself strongly in the fast-growing weight-loss drug market while giving patients more affordable choices.