Suppliers and packagers for VICTOZA

VICTOZA

Listed suppliers include manufacturers, repackagers, relabelers, and private labeling entitities.

Applicant	Tradename	Generic Name	Dosage	NDA	NDA/ANDA	Supplier	Package Code	Package	Marketing Start
Novo Nordisk Inc	VICTOZA	liraglutide	SOLUTION;SUBCUTANEOUS	022341	NDA	Novo Nordisk	0169-4060-12	2 SYRINGE, PLASTIC in 1 CARTON (0169-4060-12) / 3 mL in 1 SYRINGE, PLASTIC	2010-01-25
Novo Nordisk Inc	VICTOZA	liraglutide	SOLUTION;SUBCUTANEOUS	022341	NDA	Novo Nordisk	0169-4060-13	3 SYRINGE, PLASTIC in 1 CARTON (0169-4060-13) / 3 mL in 1 SYRINGE, PLASTIC	2010-01-25
Novo Nordisk Inc	VICTOZA	liraglutide	SOLUTION;SUBCUTANEOUS	022341	NDA	Novo Nordisk	0169-4060-90	1 SYRINGE, PLASTIC in 1 CARTON (0169-4060-90) / 3 mL in 1 SYRINGE, PLASTIC	2010-01-25
Novo Nordisk Inc	VICTOZA	liraglutide	SOLUTION;SUBCUTANEOUS	022341	NDA	Novo Nordisk	0169-4060-99	1 SYRINGE, PLASTIC in 1 CARTON (0169-4060-99) / 3 mL in 1 SYRINGE, PLASTIC	2010-01-25

Suppliers for the Pharmaceutical Drug VICTOZA

Last updated: July 29, 2025

Introduction

VICTOZA (generic name: liraglutide) is a leading prescription medication used primarily for the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus and obesity. Developed by Novo Nordisk, VICTOZA is a once-daily GLP-1 receptor agonist that helps improve glycemic control and promote weight loss. Given its widespread use and therapeutic importance, supply chain stability for VICTOZA is a matter of critical industry concern. This report analyzes the key suppliers involved in the manufacturing of VICTOZA, their roles, sourcing strategies, and market dynamics.

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Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) Suppliers

The core of VICTOZA production hinges on the supply of its active pharmaceutical ingredient, liraglutide. Manufacturing liraglutide involves complex peptide synthesis, requiring high-quality raw materials, specialized synthesis processes, and stringent quality controls.

1. Peptide Raw Material Suppliers

Liraglutide is a synthetic analog of GLP-1, featuring specific amino acid modifications. The synthesis process relies on a range of amino acid derivatives and peptide building blocks. Leading suppliers of these raw materials include:

• Bachem AG: Based in Switzerland, Bachem supplies high-quality amino acids and peptide synthesis intermediates globally. Known for their sterile peptide synthesis services, they are a critical supplier for peptide drugs.

• Peptides International (PI): A US-based enterprise providing amino acids, peptide synthons, and custom synthesis services to pharmaceutical manufacturers, including those producing liraglutide.

• CordenPharma: Part of the international Indena group, CordenPharma supplies pharmaceutical-grade amino acids and peptide intermediates, with facilities capable of producing complex peptides.

2. Peptide Synthesis and Manufacturing

Large-scale synthesis of liraglutide requires advanced manufacturing capabilities:

• Novo Nordisk’s In-House Manufacturing: Novo Nordisk maintains its own peptide synthesis facilities, emphasizing proprietary process control to ensure supply security and quality standards.

• Contract Manufacturing Organizations (CMOs): Several CMOs globally support peptide synthesis for multinational pharmaceutical companies. Notable among these are:

  • Boehringer Ingelheim: Offers peptide synthesis services for complex drug compounds.

  • SAFC (a division of Merck): Provides custom peptide manufacturing, including for GLP-1 analogs.

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Major Contract Manufacturing Partners

Once synthesized, VICTOZA’s API is processed into final injectable formulations predominantly by the manufacturer’s facilities. Novo Nordisk relies heavily on their integrated manufacturing system; however, some of their API production may involve external partners.

3. Biologics and Final Formulation Suppliers

Beyond API synthesis, key suppliers include:

• Raw Material Suppliers for Formulation Components: These include suppliers of excipients, stabilizers, and delivery systems. Notable suppliers include:

  • Dow Chemical: Supplies excipients used in injectable formulations.

  • Dupont: Provides stabilizers and solvents.

• Vial and Packaging Suppliers

  • Schott AG: Supplies glass vials used in injectable formulations.

  • Gerresheimer: Manufactures pre-fillable syringes and vials.

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Supply Chain & Market Dynamics

1. Vertical Integration and Manufacturing Capacity

Novo Nordisk's vertically integrated model ensures tighter supply chain control, especially with in-house peptide synthesis and formulation units, reducing reliance on external suppliers for critical API. This strategy mitigates risks linked to supply disruptions.

2. Global Manufacturing Footprint

Novo Nordisk operates manufacturing plants geographically dispersed across Europe, North America, and Asia. Notable facilities include:

• Kalundborg, Denmark: Core manufacturing hub with extensive API and formulation capacity.

• Frankfurt, Germany: Focused on peptide synthesis and API production.

• Makati City, Philippines: Focused on fill-and-finish operations, ensuring regional supply.

3. Supply Chain Challenges

• Complex Synthesis and Quality Control: The manufacturing of liraglutide involves intricate peptide synthesis, which is sensitive to raw material quality and process variability.

• Raw Material Shortages: Global supply disruptions, such as those caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, have impacted peptide raw material availability, leading to potential production delays.

• Regulatory Compliance and Certification: Suppliers must often meet strict Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards, limiting the pool of qualified vendors.

4. Market Competition and Alternative Suppliers

While Novo Nordisk’s dominance in liraglutide production remains strong due to their proprietary processes and economies of scale, competition from emerging biotech firms developing generic or biosimilar GLP-1 receptor agonists could influence supplier dynamics in the long term. However, as of now, no approved biosimilar for liraglutide is commercially available.

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Key Suppliers Summary

Category	Key Suppliers	Role	Notes
Raw Material Amino Acids	Bachem AG, Peptides International, CordenPharma	Supply essential amino acid derivatives and peptide intermediates	High purity, GMP-grade products
Peptide Synthesis	Novo Nordisk (In-house), CMOs	Large-scale peptide manufacture	Proprietary technology enhances security
Raw Components (Excipients)	Dow Chemical, Dupont	Formulation excipients	Global supply, quality standards
Packaging	Schott AG, Gerresheimer	Vial and syringe manufacturing	Ensures drug integrity

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Future Outlook and Strategic Risks

• Supply security remains pivotal, especially given the complexity of peptide synthesis. Plant consolidation and diversified sourcing are likely strategies moving forward.

• Manufacturing innovation, such as continuous manufacturing and automation, may reduce dependency on specific suppliers and enhance scalability.

• Global geopolitical factors and trade policies, particularly tariffs and export restrictions, could impact supply chains.

• Emerging biosimilars and rival GLP-1 formulations in development may influence future procurement strategies and supplier relationships.

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Key Takeaways

• Vertical integration at Novo Nordisk plays a major role in securing critical API supplies, reducing reliance on external peptide manufacturers.

• Leading peptide suppliers such as Bachem and CordenPharma are central to the supply chain for liraglutide intermediates.

• Manufacturing complexity and stringent regulatory requirements limit the pool of qualified raw material and peptide synthesis suppliers.

• Supply chain resilience requires diversified sourcing, strategic inventory management, and investing in manufacturing innovation.

• Future market dynamics may introduce biosimilar competitors, potentially affecting supplier relationships and pricing structures.

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FAQs

1. Who are the primary raw material suppliers for liraglutide's peptides?
Bachem AG, Peptides International, and CordenPharma are leading suppliers providing GMP-grade amino acids and peptide intermediates essential for liraglutide synthesis.

2. Does Novo Nordisk manufacture liraglutide entirely in-house?
While Novo Nordisk maintains extensive in-house manufacturing capabilities, they also collaborate with contract manufacturing organizations for certain peptide synthesis and formulation processes to enhance capacity and supply security.

3. Are there biosimilar versions of VICTOZA on the market?
As of 2023, no authorized biosimilars of liraglutide are commercially available, limiting competition and impacting supplier strategies focused mainly on the original manufacturer.

4. What are the main risks associated with the supply chain for VICTOZA?
Risks include Raw material shortages due to supply disruptions, manufacturing delays from complex peptide synthesis, regulatory hurdles, and geopolitical influences on trade.

5. How might supply chain dynamics impact the availability and price of VICTOZA?
Supply constraints or disruptions can lead to shortages, which may drive prices higher and incentivize the development of biosimilars, potentially altering the supplier landscape.

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References

[1] Novo Nordisk Annual Report 2022.
[2] Peptides International — Product and Service Portfolio.
[3] Bachem AG Product Catalog.
[4] Market reports on GLP-1 receptor agonists manufacturing.
[5] WHO Guidelines on Biologicals Manufacturing Standards.