US FDA approves Teva Pharmaceuticals' generic obesity drug

Aug 28 (Reuters) - The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved Teva Pharmaceuticals' TEVA.TA cheaper generic version of Novo Nordisk's NOVOb.CO older weight-loss drug, Saxenda, the Israel-based company said on Thursday.

Saxenda, chemically known as liraglutide, belongs to the first generation of GLP-1 drugs, which curb appetite as well as help control blood sugar. This results in less weight loss on average than Novo's popular newer treatment, Wegovy.

The FDA approval makes Teva's version the first generic GLP-1 drug indicated for weight loss in the U.S., the company said.

Saxenda is approved for obese adults with weight-related medical problems and pediatric patients aged 12 to 17 years who weigh more than 60 kg and have obesity.