A new generation of ultra-high-cost therapies is reshaping benefits plan risk, while the arrival of generic glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist medications is set to shift one of the largest drug categories, according to Telus Health’s annual drug report.

The report found weight-management climbed six positions to rank No. 11 among all drug categories. The category grew by 61 per cent in 2025 (after growing 104 per cent in 2024) and accounted for 2.5 per cent of total eligible drug spend.

Two new developments will drive further growth in 2026, the report noted. Zepbound, capable of reducing body weight by up to 20 per cent, becamd available last July and is expected to rapidly gain market share. In addition, a generic Ozempic is expected to arrive in late 2026 at roughly 35 per cent of list price.

Read: Weight management drug claims up 90.6% in 2024: report

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