Provider Briefing: Liraglutide Supply in 2026

The GLP-1 receptor agonist supply crisis that began in 2022 has evolved considerably, and Liraglutide’s position in the market has shifted significantly with the introduction of generic alternatives. This briefing provides prescribers and clinical teams with the current availability picture, prescribing considerations, and practical tools for managing patients on Liraglutide therapy during ongoing supply constraints.

Timeline: How We Got Here

Understanding the timeline helps contextualize the current situation:

• 2022–2023: Surging demand for GLP-1 agonists, driven primarily by Semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro), creates widespread class-wide shortages. Off-label prescribing for weight loss dramatically increases utilization.
• 2024: Supply pressures continue across the GLP-1 class. Novo Nordisk invests in manufacturing expansion but faces production challenges. Liraglutide (Victoza) begins experiencing intermittent supply disruptions.
• April 2025: Meitheal Pharmaceuticals launches the first generic Liraglutide injection, approved for type 2 diabetes. This marks the first generic GLP-1 receptor agonist on the U.S. market.
• Mid-2025: Teva launches its own generic Liraglutide. Novo Nordisk reports ongoing manufacturing delays for brand Victoza, which is placed on FDA shortage status.
• Late 2025: FDA approves generic Liraglutide for weight loss (generic Saxenda equivalent), making Liraglutide the first GLP-1 with generic availability for both diabetes and obesity indications.
• Early 2026: Brand Victoza remains on shortage. Generic supply is improving but still scaling. Saxenda is generally available.

Prescribing Implications

The Liraglutide shortage and generic entry create several considerations for prescribers:

Generic Substitution

Generic Liraglutide is FDA-approved and bioequivalent to both Victoza and Saxenda. Prescribers can write prescriptions for “Liraglutide injection” to allow pharmacies to dispense whichever manufacturer’s product is in stock. This flexibility significantly improves patients’ ability to fill their prescriptions.

Dose Considerations

When switching patients between brand and generic, or between diabetes and weight-loss formulations, be aware of dosing differences:

• Victoza/generic (diabetes): 1.2–1.8 mg daily
• Saxenda/generic (weight management): 3 mg daily
• Titration: All formulations start at 0.6 mg daily and titrate up weekly
• Missed doses: If a patient misses >3 days, they must restart at 0.6 mg and re-titrate

Prior Authorization Considerations

Insurance coverage for Liraglutide varies by indication:

• Type 2 diabetes: Most commercial plans cover generic Liraglutide or Victoza with prior authorization. Step therapy may require trial of Metformin first.
• Weight management: Coverage is more variable. Many plans require prior authorization, documented BMI criteria, and may require step therapy through lifestyle modifications.
• Medicare Part D: Generally covers for diabetes indication; anti-obesity medication coverage varies by plan.

Current Availability Picture

As of early 2026, the availability landscape for Liraglutide looks like this:

• Brand Victoza: Limited supply. On FDA/ASHP shortage list due to Novo Nordisk manufacturing delays. Available intermittently at some pharmacies.
• Brand Saxenda: Generally available at most pharmacies.
• Generic Liraglutide (Meitheal): Available and expanding distribution. Initially launched as 3-pen packs; expanded options planned.
• Generic Liraglutide (Teva): Available with a patient savings program ($20 copay for eligible insured patients).

Availability can vary significantly by region and individual pharmacy. Medfinder for Providers offers real-time pharmacy stock checking to help clinical teams identify which pharmacies near their patients have Liraglutide in stock.

Cost and Access

The introduction of generics has significantly changed the cost landscape:

• Brand Victoza/Saxenda: $1,000–$1,400/month cash price
• Generic Liraglutide: $230–$500/month cash price
• NovoCare Savings Card: Brand-name products as low as $25/month for eligible commercially insured patients
• Teva Savings Program: Generic Liraglutide as low as $20/prescription for eligible patients
• Novo Nordisk PAP: Free medication for qualifying uninsured patients through NovoCare

For uninsured or underinsured patients, generic Liraglutide represents the most affordable GLP-1 option currently available. Providers should consider referencing our patient-facing resource on saving money on Liraglutide when discussing cost barriers with patients.

Tools and Resources for Providers

Several tools can help providers and their clinical teams manage Liraglutide access for patients:

Medfinder for Providers

Medfinder’s provider platform enables clinical teams to check real-time Liraglutide availability at pharmacies near their patients. This is particularly valuable for practices managing large panels of GLP-1 patients and can reduce the time staff spend calling pharmacies on patients’ behalf.

ASHP Drug Shortage Database

The ASHP maintains updated shortage information for Liraglutide injection at ashp.org/drug-shortages. This resource includes manufacturer-specific updates, estimated resolution dates, and alternative therapy recommendations.

Manufacturer Resources

• NovoCare (Novo Nordisk): novocare.com — savings programs, patient assistance, and supply updates for Victoza and Saxenda
• Teva: tevaliraglutide.com — savings program information for generic Liraglutide

Patient Education Materials

Direct patients to these resources for additional support:

• How to find Liraglutide in stock
• Liraglutide side effects guide
• Liraglutide drug interactions

Looking Ahead

Several developments may impact Liraglutide availability in the coming months:

• Additional generic entrants: More generic manufacturers are expected to enter the market, which should further improve supply and reduce costs
• Novo Nordisk manufacturing resolution: The company has indicated it is working to resolve Victoza production delays, though no firm timeline has been provided
• Formulary evolution: As generics become more widely available, expect insurance formularies to increasingly prefer generic Liraglutide over brand, which will shift pharmacy stocking patterns
• Class expansion: Continued growth of the GLP-1/GIP agonist class with new molecular entities may redistribute demand across more products

Final Thoughts

The Liraglutide supply situation in 2026 is complex but improving. The availability of generic options represents a meaningful step forward for patient access and affordability. Providers who proactively manage their prescribing approach — writing for generic substitution, leveraging savings programs, and using availability tools like Medfinder for Providers — can significantly improve their patients’ experience during this transition period.

For a complementary guide focused on clinical workflow, see how to help your patients find Liraglutide in stock.