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Intact Financial Corporation reports Q1-2025 results Français

Cision Canada06-05-2025
, /CNW/ -
Highlights
Operating DPW 1,2 grew 3%, attributable to continued momentum in Personal lines
Combined ratio 1 was solid at 91.3%, remaining stable year-over-year despite 2.5 points of higher catastrophe losses
Net operating income per share 1 increased 10% to $4.01 driven by solid underwriting results, as well as investment and distribution income increasing 9% and 17%, respectively
BVPS 1 increased 4% sequentially and 13% year-over-year to $96.16, with solid EPS of $3.69 in the quarter
Operating ROE 1 of 16.5% (ROE 1 of 13.7%) with a strong and resilient balance sheet, including $3.1 billion of total capital margin 1
Charles Brindamour, Chief Executive Officer, said:
"We had a strong start to 2025 across our business, with a solid underwriting performance and double-digit NOIPS growth. In the context of economic uncertainties, our organization is highly resilient and well-positioned to succeed. This is demonstrated through an operating ROE of 16.5% and book value per share growth of 13% year-over-year. We are on track to continue achieving our financial objectives to exceed the industry ROE by 500 basis points and grow NOIPS 10% annually over time, while also delivering on our promise to our customers, brokers, employees."
Consolidated Highlights
(in millions of Canadian dollars except as otherwise noted)
Q1-2025
Q1-2024
Change
Operating direct premiums written 1 2
5,364
5,110
3 %
Combined ratio 1
91.3 %
91.2 %
0.1 pts
Underwriting income (loss) 1
485
459
6 %
Operating net investment income
415
380
9 %
Distribution income 1
117
100
17 %
Net operating income attributable to common shareholders 1
717
647
11 %
Net income
676
673
- %
Per share measures (in dollars)
Net operating income per share (NOIPS) 1,3
$4.01
$3.63
10 %
Earnings per share (EPS) – diluted 3
$3.69
$3.68
- %
Book value per share 1
$96.16
$84.76
13 %
Return on equity for the last 12 months
Operating ROE 1
16.5 %
14.3 %
2.2 pts
Adjusted ROE 1
16.1 %
13.5 %
2.6 pts
ROE 1
13.7 %
10.6 %
3.1 pts
Capital management
Total capital margin 1
3,099
2,654
445
Adjusted debt-to-total capital ratio 1
19.1 %
20.5 %
(1.4) pts
12-Month Industry Outlook
We expect the current insurance market conditions to persist, mainly due to catastrophe loss trends and uncertainty driven by geopolitical conflicts:
In both Personal auto and property, we expect low double-digit premium growth; and
In Commercial and Specialty lines across all geographies, we expect mid-single-digit premium growth.
____________________________________________
1 This release contains Non-GAAP financial measures, Non-GAAP ratios and other financial measures (each as defined in National Instrument 52-112 "Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures Disclosure"). Refer to Section 15 – Non-GAAP and other financial measures in the Q1-2025 Management's Discussion and Analysis for further details.
2 DPW change (growth) is presented in constant currency.
3 Per share metric is calculated based on the weighted-average diluted number of common shares.
Segment Results
Q1-2025 Consolidated Performance
Overall operating DPW growth was 3% and attributable to rate actions as well as unit growth in Personal lines. Within Commercial lines, growth was led by mid-single digit rates in the majority of our portfolio, while we continue to see pressure in large accounts.
Combined ratio was solid at 91.3% and remained comparable to last year, despite 2.5 points of higher catastrophe losses. This is a result of our strong underlying performance in Canada and in the US, along with healthy favourable prior year development, particularly in Commercial lines.
Operating net investment income increased 9% from last year to $415 million, primarily due to higher book yields, non-recurring distributions of $9 million and favourable foreign currency movements.
Distribution income increased by 17% from last year to $117 million, reflecting organic growth, increased margins in BrokerLink and M&A activities.
Lines of Business
P&C Canada
Personal auto operating DPW increased by 11%, reflecting rate actions and 2% unit growth in hard market conditions. The combined ratio of 97.5% was in line with our full year sub-95 expectations, when adjusted for approximately 4 points of impact from seasonality and harsher- than-normal winter conditions.
Personal property operating DPW grew by 9%, primarily due to rates coupled with 1% unit growth in hard market conditions. The combined ratio remained solid at 88.9%, but increased from last year, due to higher catastrophe losses and severe winter conditions in the quarter.
Commercial lines operating DPW growth was 1%, driven by mid-single-digit rates in most lines. We continue to see increased competition in large accounts. The combined ratio was very strong at 81.2% for the quarter, 6.1 points better than last year, driven by robust underlying performance and favourable prior-year development.
P&C UK&I 2
Operating DPW decreased 4%, as we continue to take remediation actions in the DLG portfolio and see continued competition in large accounts. In aggregate, pricing was in the mid-single digits and new business remained solid. The combined ratio of 97.6% included elevated weather-related catastrophe losses in the quarter. We remain well positioned to evolve the combined ratio towards 90% in 2026.
P&C US 2
Operating DPW decreased 3%, reflecting a 5-point negative impact from the non-renewal of a large account. Growth in aggregate reflected varying rate momentum, with mid-single digit rates or better across the majority of lines. The combined ratio remained strong at 86.8% for the quarter, despite the impact of high CAT losses, reflecting our continued focus on profitability.
__________________________________________
1 This release contains Non-GAAP financial measures, Non-GAAP ratios and other financial measures (each as defined in National Instrument 52-112 "Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures Disclosure"). Refer to Section 15 – Non-GAAP and other financial measures in the Q1-2025 Management's Discussion and Analysis for further details.
2 DPW change (growth) is presented in constant currency.
Net Operating Income, EPS and ROE
Net operating income attributable to common shareholders increased 11% to $717 million, driven by solid underwriting performance, as well as higher investment and distribution income.
Earnings per share was solid at $3.69 in the quarter, driven by strong operating income and non-significant non-operating losses overall.
Operating ROE of 16.5% reflected strong performance across our lines of business and geographies over the last 12 months. Adjusted ROE of 16.1% and ROE of 13.7% improved 3 points from last year, primarily due to higher operating earnings coupled with lower exited lines and restructuring costs.
Balance Sheet
The Company ended the quarter in a strong financial position with a total capital margin of $3.1 billion, up $0.2 billion from last quarter, and solid regulatory capital ratios in all jurisdictions.
Adjusted debt-to-total capital ratio stood at 19.1% as at March 31, 2025, an improvement vs. Q4-2024, driven by strong capital generation in the quarter.
IFC's book value per share (BVPS) of $96.16 as at March 31, 2025 increased 13% year-over-year, and was 4% higher than Q4-2024, driven by solid earnings and favourable market movements in our debt securities portfolio.
Common Share Dividend
The Board of Directors approved the quarterly dividend of $1.33 per share on the Company's outstanding common shares. The common share dividends are payable on June 30, 2025, to shareholders of record on June 16, 2025.
Preferred Share Dividends
The Board of Directors also approved a quarterly dividend of 30.25625 cents per share on the Company's Class A Series 1 preferred shares, 21.60625 cents per share on the Class A Series 3 preferred shares, 32.5 cents per share on the Class A Series 5 preferred shares, 33.125 cents per share on the Class A Series 6 preferred shares, 37.575 cents per share on the Class A Series 7 preferred shares, 33.75 cents per share on the Class A Series 9 preferred shares, and 32.8125 cents per share on the Class A Series 11 preferred shares. The dividends are payable on June 30, 2025, to shareholders of record on June 16, 2025.
Analysts' Estimates
The average estimate of earnings per share and net operating income per share for the quarter among the analysts who follow the Company was $3.17 and $3.54, respectively.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Social Impact & ESG Report
IFC also announced that its 2024 Social Impact & ESG Report is available at www.intactfc.com. The report also includes the 2024 public accountability statement for Intact and its applicable subsidiaries.
The report details how Intact is delivering on its social impact mandate and how ESG considerations are embedded in the organization's strategy and its three objectives: having customers as advocates, engaged employees, and being a most respected company. The report also details progress on Intact's Climate Strategy and Resilience Barometer.
Management's Discussion and Analysis (MD&A) and Interim Consolidated Financial Statements
This Press Release, which was approved by the Company's Board of Directors on the Audit Committee's recommendation, should be read in conjunction with the Q1-2025 MD&A, as well as the Q1-2025 interim condensed consolidated financial statements, which are available on the Company's website at www.intactfc.com and later today on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.
For the definitions of measures and other insurance-related terms used in this Press Release, please refer to the MD&A and to the glossary available in the "Investors" section of the Company's website at www.intactfc.com.
Conference Call Details
Intact Financial Corporation will host a conference call to review its earnings results tomorrow at 11:00 a.m. ET. To listen to the call via live audio webcast and to view the Company's interim condensed consolidated financial statements, MD&A, presentation slides, Supplementary financial information and other information not included in this Press Release, visit the Company's website at www.intactfc.com and link to "Investors". The conference call is also available by dialing 416-945-7677 or 1-888-699-1199 (toll-free in North America). Please call 10 minutes before the start of the call. A replay of the call will be available on May 7, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. ET until 11:59 p.m. ET on May 14, 2025. To listen to the replay, call 289-819-1450 or 1-888-660-6345 (toll-free in North America), entry code 27846. A transcript of the call will also be made available on Intact Financial Corporation's website.
About Intact Financial Corporation
Intact Financial Corporation (TSX: IFC) is the largest provider of Property and Casualty (P&C) insurance in Canada, a leading Specialty lines insurer with international expertise and a leader in Commercial lines in the UK and Ireland. The business has grown organically and through acquisitions to almost $24 billion of total annual operating direct premiums written (DPW).
In Canada, Intact distributes insurance under the Intact Insurance brand through agencies and a wide network of brokers, including its wholly- owned subsidiary BrokerLink. Intact also distributes directly to consumers through the belairdirect brand and affinity partnerships. Additionally, Intact provides exclusive and tailored offerings to high-net-worth customers through Intact Prestige.
In the US, Intact Insurance Specialty Solutions provides a range of Specialty insurance products and services through independent agencies, regional and national brokers, wholesalers and managing general agencies.
Across the UK, Ireland, and Europe, Intact provides Personal, Commercial and/or Specialty insurance solutions through the RSA, 123.ie, NIG and FarmWeb brands.
Non-GAAP and other financial measures
Non-GAAP financial measures and Non-GAAP ratios (which are calculated using Non-GAAP financial measures) do not have standardized meanings prescribed by IFRS (or GAAP) and may not be comparable to similar measures used by other companies in our industry. Non-GAAP and other financial measures are used by management and financial analysts to assess our performance. Further, they provide users with an enhanced understanding of our financial results and related trends, and increase transparency and clarity into the core results of the business.
Non-GAAP financial measures and Non-GAAP ratios used in this Press Release and other Company's financial reports include measures related to our consolidated performance, underwriting performance and financial strength.
For more information about these supplementary financial measures, Non-GAAP financial measures, and Non-GAAP ratios, including definitions and explanations of how these measures provide useful information, refer to Section 15 – Non-GAAP and other financial measures in the Q1-2025 MD&A dated May 6, 2025, which is available on our website at www.intactfc.com and on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.
Table 2 Reconciliation of underwriting results on a MD&A basis with the interim consolidated financial statements
Financial statements
F/S
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
Total
MD&A
MD&A
Quarter ended March 31, 2025
Insurance revenue
6,653
(598)
(277)
(197)
(48)
21
(1,099)
5,554
Operating net underwriting revenue
Insurance service expense
(5,587)
393
282
(119)
8
(62)
(218)
207
48
(21)
518
(5,069)
Sum of: Operating net claims
($3,208 million) and Operating net
underwriting expenses ($1,861 million)
Expense from reinsurance contracts
(598)
598
598
-
n/a
Income from reinsurance
contracts
393
(393)
(393)
-
n/a
Insurance service result
861
-
5
(119)
8
(62)
(218)
10
-
-
(376)
485
Underwriting income (loss)
Quarter ended March 31, 2024
Insurance revenue
6,511
(673)
(359)
(281)
(20)
15
(1,318)
5,193
Operating net underwriting revenue
Insurance service expense
(5,358)
314
420
(148)
8
(49)
(228)
302
20
(15)
624
(4,734)
Sum of: Operating net claims
($2,945 million) and Operating net
underwriting expenses ($1,789 million)
Expense from reinsurance contracts
(673)
673
673
-
n/a
Income from reinsurance
contracts
314
(314)
(314)
-
n/a
Insurance service result
794
-
61
(148)
8
(49)
(228)
21
-
-
(335)
459
Underwriting income (loss)
Reconciling items in the table above:
Table 3 Reconciliation of ROE to Net income attributable to shareholders
Q1-2025
Q1-2024
Net income attributable to shareholders, as reported under IFRS
676
673
Remove: preferred share dividends and other equity distribution
(17)
(17)
Net income attributable to common shareholders
659
656
Divided by weighted-average basic number of common shares (in millions)
178.3
178.3
EPS, basic (in dollars)
3.70
3.68
Divided by weighted-average diluted number of common shares 1 (in millions)
178.7
178.3
EPS, diluted (in dollars)
3.69
3.68
Net income attributable to common shareholders for the last 12 months
2,210
1,527
Adjusted average common shareholders' equity
16,135
14,397
ROE for the last 12 months
13.7 %
10.6 %
Table 4 Reconciliation of consolidated results on a MD&A basis with the interim condensed consolidated financial statements
MD&A captions
Pre-tax
As presented in the Financial
statements
Distribution
income
Total
finance
costs
Other
operating
income
(expense)
Operating
net
investment
income
Total
income
taxes
Non-
operating
results
Underwriting
income
(loss)
Total F/S
caption
For the quarter ended March 31, 2025
Insurance service result
65
-
(3)
-
-
195
604
861
Net investment income
-
-
-
415
-
-
-
415
Net gains (losses) on investment
portfolio
-
-
-
-
-
86
-
86
Net insurance financial result
-
-
-
-
-
(240)
-
(240)
Share of profits from investments
in associates and joint ventures
42
(3)
1
-
(9)
(9)
-
22
Other net gains (losses)
-
-
-
-
-
40
-
40
Other income and expense
10
-
(25)
-
-
(77)
(119)
(211)
Other finance costs
-
(55)
-
-
-
-
(55)
Acquisition, integration and
restructuring costs
-
-
-
-
-
(69)
-
(69)
Income tax benefit (expense)
-
-
-
-
(173)
-
-
(173)
Total, as reported in MD&A
117
(58)
(27)
415
(182)
(74)
485
For the quarter ended March 31, 2024
Insurance service result
43
-
6
-
-
138
607
794
Net investment income
-
-
-
380
-
-
-
380
Net gains (losses) on investment
portfolio
-
-
-
-
-
(40)
-
(40)
Net insurance financial result
-
-
-
-
-
(97)
-
(97)
Share of profits from investments in
associates and joint ventures
38
(5)
2
-
(7)
(6)
-
22
Other net gains (losses)
-
-
-
-
-
180
-
180
Other income and expense
19
-
(36)
-
-
(74)
(148)
(239)
Other finance costs
-
(57)
-
-
-
-
-
(57)
Acquisition, integration and
restructuring costs
-
-
-
-
-
(113)
-
(113)
Income tax benefit (expense)
-
-
-
-
(157)
-
-
(157)
Total, as reported in MD&A
100
(62)
(28)
380
(164)
(12)
459
Table 5 Reconciliation of AEPS and AROE to Net income attributable to shareholders
Q1-2025
Q1-2024
Net income attributable to shareholders, as reported under IFRS
676
673
Remove acquisition-related items, after tax
Amortization of acquired intangible assets
61
57
Acquisition and integration costs
30
55
Tax adjustments on acquisition-related items
1
-
Net result from claims acquired in a business combination
-
2
Adjusted net income attributable to shareholders
768
787
Remove: preferred share dividends and other equity distribution
(17)
(17)
Adjusted net income attributable to common shareholders
751
770
Divided by weighted-average diluted number of common shares (in millions)
178.7
178.3
AEPS (in dollars)
4.21
4.31
Adjusted net income attributable to common shareholders for the last 12 months
2,601
1,950
Adjusted average common shareholders' equity
16,135
14,397
AROE for the last 12 months
16.1 %
13.5 %
Table 6 Calculation of BVPS and BVPS (excluding AOCI)
As at March 31,
2025
2024
Equity attributable to shareholders, as reported under IFRS
18,768
16,740
Remove: Preferred shares and other equity, as reported under IFRS
(1,619)
(1,619)
Common shareholders' equity
17,149
15,121
Remove: AOCI, as reported under IFRS
(399)
292
Common shareholders' equity (excluding AOCI)
16,750
15,413
Number of common shares outstanding at the same date (in millions)
178.3
178.4
BVPS
96.16
84.76
BVPS (excluding AOCI)
93.92
86.39
Table 7 Adjusted average common shareholders' equity and Adjusted average common shareholders' equity, excluding AOCI
1 March 31, 2024 figure represents the net weighted impact of the September 13, 2023 significant capital transaction.
Table 8 Reconciliation of Total debt outstanding before hybrid subordinated notes and Total capital to Debt outstanding, Equity attributable to shareholders and Equity attributable to NCI
As at
March 31, 2025
Dec. 31, 2024
Debt outstanding, as reported under IFRS
4,728
4,681
Remove: hybrid subordinated notes
(247)
(247)
Total debt outstanding before hybrid subordinated notes
4,481
4,434
Debt outstanding, as reported under IFRS
4,728
4,681
Equity attributable to shareholders, as reported under IFRS
18,768
18,148
Preferred shares from Equity attributable to non-controlling interests
-
-
Adjusted total capital
23,496
22,829
Total debt outstanding before hybrid subordinated notes
4,481
4,434
Adjusted total capital
23,496
22,829
Adjusted debt-to-total capital ratio
19.1 %
19.4 %
Debt outstanding, as reported under IFRS
4,728
4,681
Preferred shares and other equity, as reported under IFRS
1,619
1,619
Preferred shares from Equity attributable to non-controlling interests
-
-
Debt outstanding and preferred shares (including NCI)
6,347
6,300
Adjusted total capital
23,496
22,829
Total leverage ratio
27.0 %
27.6 %
Adjusted debt-to-total capital ratio
19.1 %
19.4 %
Preferred shares and hybrids
7.9 %
8.2 %
Forward Looking Statements
Certain statements made in this news release are forward-looking statements. These statements include, without limitation, statements relating to the outlook for the Property and Casualty insurance industry in Canada, the U.S. and the U.K., the Company's business outlook, the Company's growth prospects and the integration of Direct Line Insurance Group plc's brokered Commercial lines operations. All such forward-looking statements are made pursuant to the 'safe harbour' provisions of applicable Canadian securities laws.
Forward-looking statements, by their very nature, are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties and are based on several assumptions, both general and specific, which give rise to the possibility that actual results or events could differ materially from our expectations expressed in or implied by such forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including those discussed in the Company's most recently filed Annual Information Form dated February 11, 2025 and available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. As a result, we cannot guarantee that any forward-looking statement will materialize and we caution you against relying on any of these forward-looking statements. Except as may be required by Canadian securities laws, we do not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements contained in this news release, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Please read the cautionary note at the beginning of the Q1-2025 MD&A.
SOURCE Intact Financial Corporation
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Browse here. Several applications for generic semaglutide, the active compound in Novo Nordisk's injectable drugs Ozempic and Wegovy, are now before Health Canada. Last week, a U.S. telehealth service announced plans to expand into Canada next year and offer generic semaglutide at a significant discount. Richard Saynor, the head of Sandoz, a global leader in generic and biosimilar drugs, told Endpoint News in June that his company has filed for approval for a generic semaglutide in Canada once Novo Nordisk's patent exclusivity expires 'sometime in Q1 next year.' Canada is the globe's second-biggest semaglutide market, Saynor told Endpoint News. 'You gotta ask why. I don't think Canadians are disproportionately large. There's clearly a dynamic, like insulin, with cross-border business,' he said. Americans with diabetes have crossed into Canada to buy insulin at much lower prices. Ozempic and Wegovy cost about $5,000 per year. If money is no longer a factor, if chemically-identical drugs are cheaper and more affordable, 'that's going to change the calculus for many people,' said Justin Lehmiller, a senior research fellow at Indiana University's Kinsey Institute and co-author of a new survey exploring the impact that weight-loss drugs — formally known as GLP-1 agonists — are having on dating and intimacy. The survey of 2,000 single Americans (aged 18 to 91) led by Kinsey with found eight per cent reported having used a GLP-1 medication for weight loss in the past year. Among the GLP-1 users, 16 per cent said exes had reached out to reconnect, 14 per cent said they were getting more matches on dating apps and 12 per cent said they were going on more dates. The drugs seemed to be doing more to booster 'online dating success' for men than for women, the researchers said. 'Some of the studies and research that I've seen suggest that men only match one in 100 times on dating apps where for women, it's more like one in 10,' Lehmiller said. 'An attractiveness boost for men, which often accompanies using these drugs, could translate into a much bigger impact for them in the world of dating.' Men, however, were nearly twice as likely to women to say they feared being judged or shamed for taking Ozempic or other GLP-1 drugs. 'There are some masculinity concerns that are tied up in this,' said Lehmiller, a social psychologist. Men might worry about being accused of cheating, he said. 'It might be viewed as a sign of weakness for turning to a drug as opposed to losing weight through 'hard work.'' About half of the GLP-1 users also said the medications impact their sex lives, in both positive and negative ways: 18 per cent said their sexual desire increased, while 16 per cent said it dropped. Sixteen per cent said their sexual function improved; 12 per cent said it worsened. It's a nuanced picture, Lehmiller said. 'These drugs seem to be affecting different people in different ways.' 'And I think that makes sense: There is a lot of variability in the side effects people experience on these drugs.' More side effects might mean more negative impact on intimacy, he said. The drugs have also been associated with a slightly higher risk o f erectile dysfunction and testosterone deficiency in men taking semaglutide for obesity compared to men not taking the drug. About one in five in the dating survey said the drugs are creating more stigma against being overweight. 'Changing standards of attractiveness might be creating more pressure for people to look a certain way or use these medications,' Lehmiller said. A study published this week in the Canadian Medical Association Journal found 32.7 per cent of adults in Canada (10.6 million people) were obese in 2023, an eight per cent jump over 2009. Generic versions of semaglutide won't be as cheap as Aspirin. They'll still require a doctor's prescription, said Dr. Hertzel Gerstein, an endocrinologist and professor in McMaster University's department of medicine. 'Like all drugs it's a powerful drug that can have side effects and people need to be instructed on the proper way to take the drug, what to expect and what to do.' 'Is it possible that more people would be willing to pay out of pocket if they don't have insurance coverage for the drug? Sure, if it's cheaper,' Gerstein said. 'There may be more demand for it. People need to understand the risks and benefits.' Taken once a week by injection, Ozempic and Wegovy work by mimicking a hormone — glucagon-like peptide-1 — the small intestine releases when people eat. GLP-1 tricks the body into thinking it's full. It works on the brain to reduce appetite and interest in continuing to eat, and works on the stomach to slow how fast it empties so that food lingers in the stomach longer. Semaglutide has been studied extensively, Gerstein said. The amount of weight lost is related to the dosage: the higher the dose, the more weight dropped. In people with type 2 diabetes, the drug can reduce the need for insulin, or the dosage. 'But most importantly these drugs unequivocally reduce the future risk of serious health outcomes, including heart attacks, strokes, death from cardiovascular causes' and heart failure symptoms when used long-term, 'in the two- to five-year window of time,' Gerstein said. A major analysis published earlier this year based on health data from more than two million Americans veterans with diabetes found that, compared to more traditional drugs, GLP-1 use was associated with a reduced risk of substance use (alcohol, cannabis, stimulants and opioids), psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia, seizures, several respiratory conditions and neurocognitive diseases like Alzheimer's and dementia. The magnitude of the associated benefits — about a 10 to 20 per cent reduction for most outcomes — was modest, according to a background release, though the researchers said they don't 'negate' the potential value of the drugs. There were, however, several drawbacks, including an increased risk of gastrointestinal disorders (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea), low blood pressure, fainting, arthritic disorders, kidney disorders and drug-induced pancreatitis associated with GLP-1 drugs compared to usual care. Nothing is guaranteed, Gerstein said. 'I always tell patients we don't know exactly what it'll do in you. And weight loss, if it's going to happen, usually takes a month or two to start' and plateaus at around eight months. People don't lose weight indefinitely. 'There's definitely a plateau. You do not keep losing weight,' he said. The drugs yield an average weight loss of around 15 per cent, and weight can also rebound rapidly once the drugs are stopped. Ozempic has been approved in Canada for diabetes but is often used 'off label' for obesity. Wegovy has been approved for obesity. In an email to National Post, Novo Nordisk, the only current company in Canada with Health Canada-approved products containing semaglutide, said 'all intellectual property decisions are carefully considered at a global level. 'Periods of exclusivity for pharmaceutical products end as part of their normal lifecycle and generic treatments may become available over time.' 'Currently, no Health Canada-approved generic versions of semaglutide exist and we cannot speculate on other manufacturers' plans,' the company said. National Post Our website is the place for the latest breaking news, exclusive scoops, longreads and provocative commentary. Please bookmark and sign up for our newsletters here .

Cheaper generic Ozempic is coming to Canada after Novo Nordisk fails to maintain patent in this country
Cheaper generic Ozempic is coming to Canada after Novo Nordisk fails to maintain patent in this country

Edmonton Journal

time5 minutes ago

  • Edmonton Journal

Cheaper generic Ozempic is coming to Canada after Novo Nordisk fails to maintain patent in this country

In what Science magazine has dubbed 'Novo Nordisk's Canadian Mistake,' Ozempic is soon to come off patent in Canada, opening the door to cheaper generic copycats, after the drug giant reportedly failed to pay a few hundred dollars in annual fees to maintain the patent rights before the weight-loss drug became a blockbuster seller. Article content As Science reported, a patent, once lapsed, can't be restored. Novo Nordisk will continue to hold its U.S. patent until 2032. Article content Article content Ozempic was already the third most prescribed drug in Canada last year with 7,390,000 prescriptions dispensed, a 17 per cent increase over 2023, according to drug analytics research firm IQVIA. Article content Article content Several applications for generic semaglutide, the active compound in Novo Nordisk's injectable drugs Ozempic and Wegovy, are now before Health Canada. Last week, a U.S. telehealth service announced plans to expand into Canada next year and offer generic semaglutide at a significant discount. Article content Richard Saynor, the head of Sandoz, a global leader in generic and biosimilar drugs, told Endpoint News in June that his company has filed for approval for a generic semaglutide in Canada once Novo Nordisk's patent exclusivity expires 'sometime in Q1 next year.' Article content Canada is the globe's second-biggest semaglutide market, Saynor told Endpoint News. 'You gotta ask why. I don't think Canadians are disproportionately large. There's clearly a dynamic, like insulin, with cross-border business,' he said. Americans with diabetes have crossed into Canada to buy insulin at much lower prices. Article content Article content Ozempic and Wegovy cost about $5,000 per year. If money is no longer a factor, if chemically-identical drugs are cheaper and more affordable, 'that's going to change the calculus for many people,' said Justin Lehmiller, a senior research fellow at Indiana University's Kinsey Institute and co-author of a new survey exploring the impact that weight-loss drugs — formally known as GLP-1 agonists — are having on dating and intimacy. Article content The survey of 2,000 single Americans (aged 18 to 91) led by Kinsey with found eight per cent reported having used a GLP-1 medication for weight loss in the past year. Article content Among the GLP-1 users, 16 per cent said exes had reached out to reconnect, 14 per cent said they were getting more matches on dating apps and 12 per cent said they were going on more dates. The drugs seemed to be doing more to booster 'online dating success' for men than for women, the researchers said.

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