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Semaglutide

A GLP-1 receptor agonist medication made by Novo Nordisk, sold under the brand names Ozempic (type 2 diabetes) and Wegovy (weight management), each as an injection or a pill.

Updated Sep 26, 2026

Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist developed by Novo Nordisk. It's sold as Ozempic (approved for type 2 diabetes) and Wegovy (approved for chronic weight management), and each brand now has an oral form. Since May 4, 2026, the US oral version for type 2 diabetes has been sold as Ozempic tablets, which replace the older brand Rybelsus (Novo Nordisk (external link)). For weight management there has been the Wegovy pill since December 22, 2025 (Novo Nordisk (external link)). Each brand's current approved uses are in its prescribing information: Ozempic (external link) and Wegovy (external link).

Semaglutide is dosed weekly (or daily for the oral forms) and works by activating GLP-1 receptors to increase insulin release, slow gastric emptying, and reduce appetite. See also: compounded semaglutide.

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    • Oral semaglutide — Semaglutide taken as a once-daily pill instead of a weekly injection: Rybelsus and its reformulation, Ozempic tablets, for type 2 diabetes, and the Wegovy pill for weight management.

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