Semaglutide

Overview

Semaglutide is an anti-diabetic medication used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, and an anti-obesity medication used for weight management. It can be administered by subcutaneous injection or taken orally. It is sold as a generic drug by several drug companies in the Indian and Canadian markets, and worldwide by its originator, Novo, under the brand names Ozempic and Rybelsus for diabetes; under the brand name Wegovy for weight management; and under the brand names Wegovy and Kayshild for the treatment of metabolic-associated steatohepatitis (nonalcoholic steatohepatitis) and liver cirrhosis. Wegovy is also used to reduce the risk of heart attacks.[1–7] WP

Semaglutide is a peptide similar to the hormone glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), modified with a side chain, and acts as a GLP-1 receptor agonist. The most common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and constipation.[2][8–12] WP

Semaglutide was approved for medical use in the United States in 2017, in Canada, the European Union and Japan in 2018, and in Australia in 2019. In 2023, it was the nineteenth most commonly prescribed medication in the United States, with more than 25 million prescriptions. It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines.[2][10][13–19] WP

Uses, dosage and effects

European union

In the European Union, semaglutide is indicated for the treatment of adults with insufficiently controlled type 2 diabetes as an adjunct to diet and exercise as monotherapy when metformin is considered inappropriate due to intolerance or contraindications, in addition to other medicinal products for the treatment of diabetes.[10][11] WP

Semaglutide (as Wegovy) is further indicated as an adjunct to a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity for weight management, including weight loss and weight maintenance, in adults with obesity (initial BMI ≥ 30 kg/m²) or who are overweight (initial BMI ≥ 27 kg/m²) and have at least one weight-related comorbidity such as dysglycemia (prediabetes or type 2 diabetes), hypertension, dyslipidemia, or cardiovascular disease. It is also indicated as an adjunct to a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity for weight management in adolescents (aged twelve years and older) with obesity and body weight above 60 kg.[12] WP⚠ The source also gives this in other units.

Semaglutide (as Kayshild) is indicated in conjunction with diet and exercise for the treatment of adults with non-cirrhotic metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) with moderate or advanced liver fibrosis (stage F2 or F3).[6] WP

United states

In the United States, semaglutide is indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes, and to reduce the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events in adults with type 2 diabetes and established cardiovascular disease.[2][3] WP

In combination with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity, semaglutide (as Wegovy) is indicated to reduce the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (cardiovascular death, non-fatal myocardial infarction, or non-fatal stroke) in adults with established cardiovascular disease and who are either obese or overweight; to reduce excess body weight and maintain weight reduction long term in obese individuals twelve years of age or older, or for overweight adults with at least one weight-related comorbid condition.[2–5][20][21][22] WP

In August 2025, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) expanded the indication for semaglutide (as Wegovy) to include the treatment of noncirrhotic metabolic-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), formerly known as nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), with moderate to advanced liver fibrosis (consistent with stages F2 to F3 fibrosis) in adults.[4][7] WP

In October 2025, the FDA further expanded the indication for semaglutide (as Rybelsus) to reduce the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (cardiovascular death, non-fatal myocardial infarction, or non-fatal stroke) in adults with type 2 diabetes who are at high risk for these events.[3][23] WP

In December 2025, the FDA approved an oral version of semaglutide for weight management, using the same brand name (Wegovy) as the injectable version.[24][25][26] WP

Risks and side effects

Contraindications

Semaglutide is contraindicated in people with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or in people with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2.[2][3][4] WP

Pharmacology

Mechanism of action

Semaglutide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist. The drug mimicks the hormone glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), an incretin. This produces multiple effects on metabolic pathways:[4] WP

Pancreatic and glycemic control

Semaglutide enhances the growth and proliferation of pancreatic beta cells, which are responsible for insulin production, while mitigating oxidative stress to reduce cell death (apoptosis). It achieves glycemic control primarily through a glucose-dependent mechanism: by binding to GLP-1 receptors on beta cells, it elevates intracellular levels of cyclic AMP (cAMP) and activates protein kinase A (PKA) and related signaling pathways. This cascade alters cellular energy dynamics, ultimately triggering the influx of calcium into the cell, which prompts the exocytosis (release) of insulin-containing vesicles into the bloodstream.[27] WP

Concurrently, semaglutide inhibits the release of glucagon from pancreatic alpha cell, which decreases glucose production by the liver (gluconeogenesis) and maintains blood sugar level stability, particularly preventing sharp spikes after meals. Beyond its direct action on the pancreas, semaglutide alleviates peripheral insulin resistance. It does this by upregulating phosphorylated IRS-1 and activating pathways (like AMPK/SIRT1) that promote the transport of the GLUT4 glucose transporter to cell membranes in muscle and adipose tissue, thereby increasing overall cellular glucose uptake.[8][27] WP

Adipose tissue and metabolism

In obesity, adipose tissue often becomes dysfunctional; as excess energy accumulates, white adipose tissue (WAT) cells undergo abnormal, hypertrophic growth, leading to poor blood supply (hypoxia), macrophage infiltration, and systemic inflammation. This dysfunctional state limits the tissue's ability to safely store lipids and decreases the baseline activity of critical metabolic regulators like AMPK.[27] WP

Semaglutide acts on these alterations by mitigating adipocyte hypertrophy and limiting excessive lipid storage through the downregulation of lipogenic enzymes such as lipoprotein lipase (LPL) and ANGPTL4. More significantly, it influences fat metabolism by promoting the "browning" of energy-storing white adipose tissue into energy-burning brown adipose tissue (BAT). It achieves this by activating the AMPK and SIRT1 pathways, which in turn upregulates the expression of uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1). This biochemical cascade increases mitochondrial thermogenesis, effectively forcing the body to dissipate excess calories as heat and increasing overall energy expenditure.[27] WP

Inflammation and oxidative stress

In metabolic conditions like obesity and diabetes, chronic inflammation and oxidative stress drive cellular damage and insulin resistance. Semaglutide exhibits potent systemic anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties by modulating the SIRT1 and NRF2 signaling pathways. This activation reduces the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and mitigates endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. Furthermore, semaglutide actively inhibits pro-inflammatory transcription factors such as NF-κB and JNK. In adipose tissue, it significantly decreases the infiltration of macrophages and suppresses the expression of neutrophil inflammatory factors like S100A8, S100A9, and CXCL2. Consequently, this lowers the systemic release of inflammatory cytokines like IL-6 and TNF-α.[27] WP

Cellular aging and autophagy

Pathological aging and metabolic diseases are often characterized by defective mitochondria, the accumulation of misfolded proteins, and cellular senescence. Senescent cells secrete a harmful mix of inflammatory molecules known as the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP). Preclinical studies suggest semaglutide counteracts these processes by activating the AMPK and SIRT1 pathways, which are fundamental for cellular autophagy and mitophagy. By upregulating proteins like parkin and TFEB, semaglutide enhances the clearance of damaged organelles. Additionally, by blockading FOXO transcription factors and NF-κB, the drug modulates SASP and upregulates anti-apoptotic proteins (such as Bcl-2), potentially delaying tissue degeneration and offering anti-aging benefits.[27] WP

Immune modulation and infection

Semaglutide appears to influence the immune system through a complex gut-brain-immune network. The activation of central neuronal GLP-1 receptors by semaglutide signals through the endogenous opioid and adrenergic systems to suppress peripheral inflammation. In conditions like obesity, compromised gut barriers can allow bacterial lipopolysaccharides (LPS, or endotoxins) to enter the bloodstream, triggering severe immune responses via TLR4 receptors. Semaglutide blunts this LPS-induced release of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Moreover, in animal models of polymicrobial sepsis, semaglutide has been shown to decrease bacterial loads in multiple organs and promote the homeostasis of immunoregulatory regulatory T cells (Tregs) via the activation of FOXP3.[27] WP

Legal status

Central nervous system and appetite regulation

Semaglutide crosses the blood-brain barrier to interact with the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus, a crucial brain region for energy balance. It suppresses appetite through a dual mechanism involving hypothalamic feeding circuits. Acute administration has been shown to stimulate anorexigenic (satiety-inducing) neurons that express proopiomelanocortin (POMC) and cocaine-and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART), while simultaneously inhibiting orexigenic (appetite-inducing) neurons that express AgRP and NPY. However, more recent evidence indicates that during chronic treatment, AgRP neurons become functionally recruited and are required for the full weight-lowering effects of GLP-1 receptor agonists in female mice, despite persistent suppression of food intake. This recruitment is associated with increased neuronal activation, synaptic remodeling, and fat utilization, suggesting that AgRP neurons contribute to the adaptive metabolic responses that sustain long-term weight loss rather than simply promoting hunger.[27][28] WP

Furthermore, semaglutide improves the brain's sensitivity to leptin, a hormone produced by fat cells that signals satiety to the brain. In individuals with obesity, chronic low-grade inflammation often leads to "leptin resistance"—a pathological state where circulating leptin levels are high, but the brain fails to register the signal, leading to persistent hunger. Semaglutide counteracts this resistance by downregulating inhibitory proteins like SOCS3 and PTP1B. This downregulation restores normal leptin signaling pathways (such as the JAK/STAT cascade), effectively re-establishing proper appetite control and reducing energy intake.[27] WP

Society and culture

Research has explored how people understand weight-loss drugs, including semaglutide, and how pharmaceutical approaches to weight management interact with existing ideas about health and personal responsibility. Jackson conducted more than 100 hours of ethnographic observation at WeightWatchers meetings and 20 interviews with members about their views on weight-loss drugs.[29] WP

The study found that some participants chose not to use these medications despite wanting to lose weight and generally supporting biomedical approaches to health.[29] WP

Participants instead described preferences for slower, socially supported approaches that emphasised self-discipline, personal transformation and developing the ability to manage their own health. Others viewed pharmaceutical interventions as burdensome or risky. Jackson also found that these views varied according to social factors including race, gender, class and age.[29] WP

The study describes the active rejection of weight-loss drugs as “agentic disengagement” and argues that this can represent a form of “stratified biomedicalisation”. In this context, biomedicalisation does not necessarily involve the straightforward adoption of medical treatment; people can actively negotiate whether particular pharmaceutical interventions fit their understandings of health and appropriate weight management.[29] WP

Earlier ethnographic research on weight-loss medication similarly found that users could develop expertise around managing their bodies and treatment while continuing to understand overweight through a biomedical framework.[30] WP

Legal status

In December 2016, a new drug application was filed with the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and in October 2017, an FDA advisory committee approved it unanimously. In December 2017, the injectable version with the brand name Ozempic was approved in the US for use by people with diabetes, and, in January 2018, in Canada. In February 2018, authorization was granted in the European Union, in March 2018 in Japan, and in August 2019 in Australia.[10][13–16][31–34] WP

A version of semaglutide to treat diabetes that can be taken orally (Rybelsus) was approved for medical use in the US in September 2019, and in the European Union in April 2020. In January 2023, the US FDA prescription label for Rybelsus was updated to reflect that it can be used as a first-line treatment for adults with type 2 diabetes.[11][35][36][37] WP

In June 2021, a higher-dose version for injectable use, sold under the brand name Wegovy, was approved by the FDA as an anti-obesity medication for long-term weight management in adults. In January 2022, Wegovy was approved for medical use in the European Union.[4][12][38] WP

In December 2025, an oral version of semaglutide, sold under the brand name Wegovy, was approved in the US for weight management.[39] WP

In March 2026, the CHMP recommended granting a conditional marketing authorization for Kayshild (semaglutide), a GLP-1 receptor agonist for the treatment of non-cirrhotic metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) with liver fibrosis, a serious disease where fat deposits accumulate in the liver causing inflammation. There are several GLP-1 receptor agonists approved in the EU to treat diabetes and weight management. Kayshild is the first GLP-1 medicine approved for this indication.[6][40] WP

In May 2026, the CHMP adopted a positive opinion, recommending a change to the terms of the marketing authorization for the medicinal product Wegovy. The marketing authorization holder for this medicinal product is Novo. The CHMP adopted a new pharmaceutical form associated with a new route of administration, tablets for oral use, in four new strengths (1.5 mg, 4 mg, 9 mg and 25 mg).[41][42] WP

Generics and copies

Generic semaglutide can be legally offered following regulatory approvals in India, Canada, and Brazil.[43][44] WP

Brazil

In Brazil, the supreme court refused to extend semaglutide's patent protection, which expired in March 2026. The first generic semaglutide injection approved by the regulator Anvisa was EMS's Ozivy on 26 May 2026. As of that date, there were 5 other synthetic semaglutide products and 1 biological one being reviewed by Anvisa. Hypera plans to offer its own generic semaglutide in the Brazilian market in 2026, and Biomm announced an agreement to offer Biocon's generic.[44][45][46] WP

Canada

Semaglutide's pharmaceutical data exclusivity period expired in Canada in January 2026. Novo failed to pay a required patent maintenance fee, and their patent on the chemical structure of the drug expired in 2020. Several applications and approvals for generic semaglutide followed, both for type 2 diabetes and weight loss.[43][47–51] WP

In April 2026, Dr. Reddy's Laboratories received approval to sell generic semaglutide in injectable format in Canada, having applied in February 2024. Later that week, Apotex's generic semaglutide (Apo-Semaglutide) was also approved as an injectable drug. In June 2026, Health Canada approved Sevmia, Apotex's injectable generic semaglutide for weight management in people aged 12 years and above. In July 2026, Aspen Pharmacare received approval for a generic injectable form of the drug for diabetes (Aspen-Semaglutide). Several other applications to sell generic versions have been made, but not yet approved, including by Sandoz, Taro Pharmaceuticals and Teva Pharmaceuticals. Hims & Hers Health expects to partner with an approved manufacturer to market a generic version. Sandoz' 2026 offering would be for diabetes only, while Biocon hopes to offer generic semaglutide for diabetes and weight loss by 2027.[43][48][51–60] WP

Novo is considering competing against the new generic drugs with Plosbrio and Poviztra: additional brand names for semaglutide, but marketed at a lower price than Ozempic and Wegovy. In contrast to generics, which may be chemically synthesized versions manufactured using different processes than the original biologic drug, Health Canada confirmed that Plosbrio and Poviztra differ from the existing proprietary drugs Ozempic and Wegovy only in name and packaging, and are unrelated to the generics from a regulatory perspective.[48] WP

The generic drug pricing formula is based on the number of generics on the market, as agreed to by suppliers and a purchasers' consortium called the Pan-Canadian Pharmaceutical Alliance. When 2 generics are available, their prices are set at 50% of the brand name price—and the May 2026 list price of brand-name Ozempic is $228 for 4 weeks' supply, plus retail markup.[52] WP

India

Following the expiration of the semaglutide patent in India in March 2026, several domestic pharmaceutical companies launched generic versions of the drug for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and obesity. These included Sun Pharmaceutical Industries (Sematrinity and Noveltreat), Dr. Reddy's Laboratories (Obeda), Zydus Lifesciences (Alterme, Mashema and Semaglyn), Torrent Pharmaceuticals (Sembolic and Semalix), Alkem Laboratories (Semasize, Obesema and Hepaglide), Glenmark Pharmaceuticals (Glipiq) and Eris Lifesciences (Sundae). Others, including Natco Pharma (Semanat and Semafull) and Mankind Pharma also planned product launches around the same time, and in total, 40–50 total brands of semaglutide were expected to become available in India in the following months.[61][62][63] WP

China

The Chinese patent was scheduled to expire in 2026, but a court ruled in 2022 that all patents on semaglutide were invalid "for reasons related to experimental data availability". Novo appealed the ruling and the decision was overturned by the Supreme People's Court. According to Novo, under the China–Switzerland Free Trade Agreement, semaglutide is subject to regulatory data protection in China until April 2027, and their Swiss subsidiary holds those rights exclusively.[64][65][66] WP

Government records indicate that at least 15 generic versions of semaglutide are being developed for the Chinese market, both for diabetes and weight loss; 11 were in the final stages of clinical trials as of June 2024. Among others, Hangzhou Jiuyuan Gene Engineering, The United Laboratories, CSPC Pharmaceutical Group, Huadong Medicine (which also holds a majority stake in Jiuyuan Gene) and Sihuan Pharmaceutical were all preparing generic offerings.[64][67] WP

United states

In 2026, Apotex received a tentative approval from the United States Food and Drug Administration to produce generic semaglutide. The tentative approval means that a scientific assessment of the generic drug was completed successfully, and that contracts and supply chains can be established, but that selling the drug would depend on intellectual property constraints. Semaglutide is expected to become patent-free in the United States no earlier than December 2031.[68][69] WP

Other

Drug patents on semaglutide in Europe and Japan are expected to expire in 2031.[49] WP

Dr. Reddy's has made regulatory applications in 87 countries where it plans to offer generic semaglutide in 2026 or 2027. Biocon plans to offer generic semaglutide in Mexico and Saudi Arabia.[70][71][72] WP

Compounded versions

In the US, compounding pharmacies may prepare compounded versions of a drug on the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) drug shortages list if the compounded drug meets certain conditions detailed in federal law. The FDA declared a shortage for Ozempic and Wegovy (but not Rybelsus) starting in August 2022.[73–77] WP

As of January 2026, there were up to 1.5 million users of compounded GLP-1 drugs (including semaglutide) in the United States, according to Novo CEO Mike Doustdar.[78] WP

Some compounded versions contain salts of semaglutide, including the sodium and the acetate. The FDA cautioned that formulations containing semaglutide sodium or semaglutide acetate had not yet been shown to be safe and effective, and stated that moreover, the FDA does not evaluate compounded drugs for safety and effectiveness.[79][80] WP

The National Association of Boards of Pharmacy, a trade organization for pharmacy regulators, claims that there are tens of thousands of online pharmacies operating illegally or outside of the association's recommendations. Novo has taken legal action against several businesses that it alleges are selling unfit semaglutide products.[81] WP

Counterfeits

In October 2023, there were reports of counterfeit Ozempic pens being sold in Europe. The pens possibly contained insulin, and led to several people being hospitalised with hypoglycemia and seizures.[82–86] WP

In December 2023, the US FDA issued a warning about counterfeit Ozempic.[87] WP

Economics

Semaglutide had the highest earnings from sales of medications in the US in 2023, with expenditures of US$38.6 billion.[88] WP

Cost, coverage and supply

In 2023, Ozempic, the semaglutide injection used for type 2 diabetes treatment, had list price of one-month supply of $936 in the US, $169 in Japan, $147 in Canada, $144 in Switzerland, $103 in Germany and the Netherlands, $96 in Sweden, $93 in the UK, and $87 in Australia; France had the lowest price at $83.[89][90] WP

High demand caused worldwide supply shortages of semaglutide in 2023; new UK prescriptions were not issued during the shortage. Novo revealed in April 2024, that to meet the enormous demand for semaglutide, it was running its production facilities 24/7; it had budgeted $6 billion in 2024 to expand its crowded and congested facilities; and it had hired over 10,000 new employees in 2023 alone.[91][92] WP

Australia

In Australia, semaglutide is available on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme prescription for diabetes at the regular co-payment rates of $25.00, or $7.70 for concession card holders.[93] WP

Finland

In Finland, semaglutide is included in the national price regulation scheme and is available by prescription. For people with type 2 diabetes and a BMI over 27, part of the cost is covered by Kela, the Finnish social insurance institution.[94] WP

United kingdom

In the UK, semaglutide is available on NHS prescription for diabetes at nominal or no cost to the individual. It is also available for obesity, limited to treatment for two years.[95][96] WP

United states

In the US, Wegovy has a list price of $1,349.02 per month as of 2022, suggesting that because of the high costs many people "who could most benefit from weight loss may be unable to afford such expensive drugs". High costs of Ozempic prompted some insurance companies to investigate and refuse to cover individuals with what the companies considered was insufficient evidence to support a diabetes diagnosis, alleging off-label prescribing for weight loss.[91][97] WP

In April 2025, the Trump Administration declined to finalize a proposal from the Biden Administration that would have required Medicare, Medicaid, and CHIP to broadly cover GLP-1s for weight loss. Despite the rejection, CMS has indicated that it might cover obesity medication in future rulemaking. However, in November 2025, the Trump Administration announced TrumpRx, an initiative similar to GoodRx, to lower the price of GLP-1s to $245 per month for patients covered by Medicaid and CHIP and $50 month for Medicare patients if states opted in.[98] WP

In November 2025, the United States President Donald Trump announced a deal with Novo to lower the costs of Ozempic, including monthly prices of about $245 for injectables and $149 for some oral versions for people on Medicare and Medicaid and for those who use his TrumpRx platform.[99] WP

Novo announced in February 2026, that effective January 2027, the list price of Wegovy, Ozempic, and Rybelsus would drop to $675/month.[100] WP

Coverage for people with obesity and at least one comorbidity like (elevated LDL-cholesterol, high blood pressure and/or MASLD), will be implemented as early as 1 April 2026. The cost will be significantly higher to taxpayers due to the fact that most insurance companies do not cover it in their formulary. Prior to this change, most Medicaid and CHIP patients only paid $3 a month, the same price for brand-name medication.[98] WP

In May 2026, Amazon Pharmacy announced that it would provide same‑day prescription delivery for the Ozempic pill, used to treat type 2 diabetes.[101][102] WP

Economic impact on denmark

By 2023, Novo was the most valuable corporation in the European Union, worth more than US$500 billion, and accounted for almost all economic growth in Denmark. The large amounts of foreign currency earned by Novo from Wegovy and Ozempic sales, when converted to Danish krone, have exerted upward pressure on the value of the krone, making it necessary for Danmarks Nationalbank to maintain lower interest rates than the European Central Bank. Poor clinical trial results published by Novo in December 2024 contributed to a drop in the krone's value.[103–106] WP

Profits from Novo result in increased Danish tax revenues and employment. Novo added 3,500 jobs in Denmark in 2022, bringing the total in the country to 21,000 employees, out of 59,000 worldwide.[107] WP

As of February 2026, Novo has a market capitalization of $220.42 billion.[108] WP

Chemistry

Formula

C187H291N45O59 PC

CAS number

910463-68-2 PC

Molar mass (g/mol)

4114 PC

IUPAC name (computed by PubChem)

18-[[(1R)-4-[2-[2-[2-[2-[2-[2-[[(5S)-5-[[(2S)-2-[[(2S)-2-[[(2S)-5-amino-2-[[2-[[(2S)-2-[[(2S)-2-[[(2S)-2-[[(2S)-2-[[(2S)-2-[[(2S)-2-[[(2S)-2-[[(2S)-2-[[(2S,3R)-2-[[(2S)-2-[[(2S,3R)-2-[[2-[[(2S)-2-[[2-[[(2S)-2-amino-3-(1H-imidazol-5-yl)propanoyl]amino]-2-methylpropanoyl]amino]-4-carboxybutanoyl]amino]acetyl]amino]-3-hydroxybutanoyl]amino]-3-phenylpropanoyl]amino]-3-hydroxybutanoyl]amino]-3-hydroxypropanoyl]amino]-3-carboxypropanoyl]amino]-3-methylbutanoyl]amino]-3-hydroxypropanoyl]amino]-3-hydroxypropanoyl]amino]-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)propanoyl]amino]-4-methylpentanoyl]amino]-4-carboxybutanoyl]amino]acetyl]amino]-5-oxopentanoyl]amino]propanoyl]amino]propanoyl]amino]-6-[[(2S)-1-[[(2S)-1-[[(2S,3S)-1-[[(2S)-1-[[(2S)-1-[[(2S)-1-[[(2S)-1-[[(2S)-5-carbamimidamido-1-[[2-[[(2S)-5-carbamimidamido-1-(carboxymethylamino)-1-oxopentan-2-yl]amino]-2-oxoethyl]amino]-1-oxopentan-2-yl]amino]-3-methyl-1-oxobutan-2-yl]amino]-4-methyl-1-oxopentan-2-yl]amino]-3-(1H-indol-3-yl)-1-oxopropan-2-yl]amino]-1-oxopropan-2-yl]amino]-3-methyl-1-oxopentan-2-yl]amino]-1-oxo-3-phenylpropan-2-yl]amino]-4-carboxy-1-oxobutan-2-yl]amino]-6-oxohexyl]amino]-2-oxoethoxy]ethoxy]ethylamino]-2-oxoethoxy]ethoxy]ethylamino]-1-carboxy-4-oxobutyl]amino]-18-oxooctadecanoic acid PC

SMILES

CC[C@H](C)[C@@H](C(=O)N[C@@H](C)C(=O)N[C@@H](CC1=CNC2=CC=CC=C21)C(=O)N[C@@H](CC(C)C)C(=O)N[C@@H](C(C)C)C(=O)N[C@@H](CCCNC(=N)N)C(=O)NCC(=O)N[C@@H](CCCNC(=N)N)C(=O)NCC(=O)O)NC(=O)[C@H](CC3=CC=CC=C3)NC(=O)[C@H](CCC(=O)O)NC(=O)[C@H](CCCCNC(=O)COCCOCCNC(=O)COCCOCCNC(=O)CC[C@H](C(=O)O)NC(=O)CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC(=O)O)NC(=O)[C@H](C)NC(=O)[C@H](C)NC(=O)[C@H](CCC(=O)N)NC(=O)CNC(=O)[C@H](CCC(=O)O)NC(=O)[C@H](CC(C)C)NC(=O)[C@H](CC4=CC=C(C=C4)O)NC(=O)[C@H](CO)NC(=O)[C@H](CO)NC(=O)[C@H](C(C)C)NC(=O)[C@H](CC(=O)O)NC(=O)[C@H](CO)NC(=O)[C@H]([C@@H](C)O)NC(=O)[C@H](CC5=CC=CC=C5)NC(=O)[C@H]([C@@H](C)O)NC(=O)CNC(=O)[C@H](CCC(=O)O)NC(=O)C(C)(C)NC(=O)[C@H](CC6=CN=CN6)N PC

InChIKey

DLSWIYLPEUIQAV-CCUURXOWSA-N PC

PubChem CID

56843331

Harm reduction information

No harm reduction data is on file for this compound yet. That means no dose, timing or combination data from PsychonautWiki or TripSit. Please don't guess a dose from similar compounds. If you have taken it and feel unwell, contact emergency services or a poison control center.

User reports

Pop culture

No references added yet.

Sources

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25. Other Ozempic (semaglutide) FDA Approval History
26. Other Novo Nordisk A/S: Wegovy pill approved in the US as first oral GLP-1 for weight management. 22 December 2025
27. Journal / agency Papakonstantinou I, Tsioufis K, Katsi V. Spotlight on the Mechanism of Action of Semaglutide. Current Issues in Molecular Biology. 2024. doi:10.3390/cimb46120872 · PMID 39728000 · PMC11674233
28. Journal / agency d'Ávila M, Cavalcanti-de-Albuquerque J, Collado-Pérez R, Liu ZW, Hunter J, White A, Schlessinger J, D'Agostino G, Horvath TL. AgRP neurons are required for the weight-lowering effects of GLP-1 receptor agonists in female mice. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America. August 2026. doi:10.1073/pnas.2614476123 · PMID 42550908 · PMC13462369
29. Journal / agency Jackson N. Saying no to weight-loss drugs: The paradox of the ideal patient-consumer and stratified biomedicalization. Social Science & Medicine. November 2025. doi:10.1016/j.socscimed.2025.118429 · PMID 40961640
30. Journal / agency Fox NJ, Ward KJ, O'Rourke AJ. The 'expert patient': empowerment or medical dominance? The case of weight loss, pharmaceutical drugs and the Internet. Social Science & Medicine. March 2005. doi:10.1016/j.socscimed.2004.07.005 · PMID 15626525
31. Other Development Status and FDA Approval Process for semaglutide. 2017
32. Other Ozempic (semaglutide) approved in the US. 5 December 2017
33. Other Novo Nordisk A/S: Ozempic (semaglutide) approved in the EU for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. 9 February 2018
34. Other Summary for ARTG Entry: 315107 Ozempic 1 mg semaglutide (rys) 1.34 mg/mL solution for injection pre-filled pen
35. Journal / agency Drug Approval Package: Rybelsus. 10 June 2020
36. Journal / agency FDA approves first oral GLP-1 treatment for type 2 diabetes. 20 September 2019
37. Other Novo Nordisk announces FDA approval of label update for Rybelsus (semaglutide) allowing use as a first-line option for adults with type 2 diabetes. 12 January 2023
38. Other Wegovy Product information
39. Journal / agency Wegovy approval letter
40. Journal / agency Meeting highlights from the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) 26-29 January 2026. 30 January 2026
41. Journal / agency Wegovy - opinion on variation to marketing authorization. 22 May 2026
42. Journal / agency First oral GLP-1 treatment for weight management. 22 May 2026
43. Other Health Canada approves first generic Ozempic, made by India's Dr. Reddy's. 28 April 2026
44. Other Brazil approves first generic semaglutide pen after Ozempic patent expiry. 26 May 2026
45. Other Masters W. Brazilian federal court denies semaglutide patent extension. 9 May 2023
46. Other Brazil's Hypera to launch an Ozempic generic in 2026, CEO says. 21 March 2025
47. Other Expiration de la protection des données d'Ozempic: la guerre des prix est lancée. 8 January 2026
48. Other Novo Nordisk prepares new cheaper version of Ozempic as generics face delays. 5 January 2026
49. Other Ma J. Novo Nordisk is losing Canadian patent protection on a blockbuster drug after not paying a small fee. 17 June 2025
50. Other Did Novo open the Canadian market to GLP-1 generics?. 16 June 2025
51. Other First generic weight-loss injection approved in Canada. 30 June 2026
52. Other Health Canada approves generic Ozempic from Apotex, country's largest drug maker. 1 May 2026
53. Other Health Canada approves 2nd generic version of Ozempic — and it's Canadian. 1 May 2026
54. Other 1st generic semaglutide injection for weight loss approved: Health Canada. 30 June 2026
55. Other Details for: SEVMIA. 29 June 2026
56. Other Aspen Pharmacare wins Canada approval for generic Ozempic after Novo patent expiry. 2026-07-20
57. Other Grant K. Cheaper, generic versions of Ozempic could come to Canada as early as next year. 11 March 2025
58. Other Gomez B. Hims & Hers to offer generic semaglutide in Canada as Novo Nordisk patent lapses. 9 July 2025
59. Other Sandoz sees unbranded versions of Ozempic launching in Canada by end-June 2026. 12 November 2025
60. Other Biocon eyes generic Wegovy obesity drug launch in India, Canada in next 2 years, CEO says. 16 July 2025
61. Other Semaglutide seven: Indian drug companies launch cheaper GLP-1s. 23 March 2026
62. Other NATCO, Eris to launch semaglutide generic at 90% discount in India. 20 March 2026
63. Other Mankind Pharma targets early Semaglutide launch. 15 March 2026
64. Other Novo Nordisk braces for generic challenge to Ozempic, Wegovy in China. 5 June 2024
65. Other Novo Nordisk, Eli Lilly Slash Prices in China. 5 January 2026
66. Other Novo Sees Generic Ozempic Delayed in China Until Next Year. 6 May 2026
67. Other Drugmaker seeks approval for China's first biosimilar Ozempic. 3 April 2024
68. Other Apotex wins tentative FDA approval for generic Ozempic, drug makers await Health Canada decisions. 12 April 2026
69. Other OZEMPIC Drug Patent Profile. 2026-08-19
70. Other India's Dr Reddy's plans to launch generic obesity drugs in 87 countries next year, CEO says. 23 July 2025
71. Other Is India about to make Ozempic-like weight-loss drugs a whole lot cheaper?. 7 February 2026
72. Other India's Biocon developing its own version of Wegovy, clinical trial likely next year. 18 April 2024
73. Journal / agency Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. Compounding when Drugs are on FDA's Drug Shortages List. 1 October 2024
74. Journal / agency Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. Compounding and the FDA: Q & A. 1 October 2024
75. Other Lupkin S. Compounding pharmacies are making their own versions of blockbuster weight loss drugs. 30 May 2024
76. Journal / agency Drug Shortages: Semaglutide Injection
77. Other Alyssa Billingsley. Is Semaglutide in Shortage? The Latest on Ozempic and Wegovy Availability. 26 November 2024
78. Other Fick M, Roy M. Novo Nordisk CEO flags 1.5 million US users of compounded GLP-1 drugs. 13 January 2026
79. Journal / agency Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. FDA's Concerns with Unapproved GLP-1 Drugs Used for Weight Loss. 1 October 2024
80. Journal / agency Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. Medications Containing Semaglutide Marketed for Type 2 Diabetes or Weight Loss. 21 December 2023
81. Other Thinking of buying Wegovy online? Here's what to know about compounding pharmacies. 7 June 2024
82. Journal / agency EMA alerts EU patients and healthcare professionals to reports of falsified Ozempic pens. 18 October 2023
83. Other Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency. Ozempic (semaglutide) and Saxenda (liraglutide): vigilance required due to potentially harmful falsified products. 23 November 2023
84. Other European regulator warns EU, UK about fake Ozempic pens. 18 October 2023
85. Other Several hospitalised in Austria after using suspected fake diabetes drug. 24 October 2023
86. Other Although an insulin icodec/semaglutide combination drug named Kyinsu was authorized in Europe in 2025, this incident was not linked to that product
87. Journal / agency FDA warns consumers not to use counterfeit Ozempic (semaglutide) found in U.S. drug supply chain. 21 December 2023
88. Journal / agency Tichy EM, Hoffman JM, Tadrous M, Rim MH, Cuellar S, Clark JS, Newell MK, Schumock GT. National trends in prescription drug expenditures and projections for 2024. American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy. July 2024. doi:10.1093/ajhp/zxae105 · PMID 38656319
89. Other Payerchin R. U.S. Leads the world in list prices for diabetes, antiobesity meds. 21 August 2023
90. Other Charted: The cost of weight-loss drugs in the US vs. Other countries
91. Other Gilbert D. Insurers clamping down on doctors who prescribe Ozempic for weight loss. 12 June 2023
92. Other Nelson E. It Introduced Ozempic to the World. Now It Must Remake Itself. 20 April 2024
93. Other Semaglutide
94. Other News Y. Finns' appetite for weightloss drugs grows. 8 October 2024
95. Other NICE recommended weight-loss drug to be made available in specialist NHS services. 8 March 2023
96. Other Marcus R. I lost 40 pounds on Ozempic. But I'm left with even more questions. 6 June 2023
97. Other Kolata G. Patients Taking Experimental Obesity Drug Lost More Than 50 Pounds, Maker Claims. 28 April 2022
98. Other Think 2025 Was a Big Year for Health News? Fasten Your Seat Belts
99. Other Trump administration in talks with Novo Nordisk, Eli Lilly on GLP-1 drug pricing
100. Other Novo Nordisk announces significant reduction in US list price for Wegovy®, Ozempic®, and Rybelsus® (Semaglutide medicines), building on continued efforts to expand access
101. Other Amazon to carry Ozempic at US kiosks, offer same-day delivery. 7 May 2026
102. Other Amazon Pharmacy Expands Access to New Ozempic Pill via Same-Day Delivery, Kiosks. 7 May 2026
103. Other Verrender I. How Ozempic could affect the health of the global economy in more ways than one. 19 December 2023
104. Other Surowiecki J. Something Is Golden in the State of Denmark. 16 October 2023
105. Other Wasse S, Wienberg C. Denmark's economy runs on Novo. Will the drugmaker's troubles slim it down?. 3 August 2025
106. Other Gronholt-Pedersen J. Novo Nordisk's drug trial results weaken Danish currency. 20 December 2024
107. Other Fick M, Fick M. Novo Nordisk's Wegovy bonanza looms large in Denmark. 5 October 2023
108. Other Novo Nordisk (NVO). 14 February 2026

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