Category: GLP-1s

Researchers estimate that 136.8 million adults in the U.S. are eligible for semaglutide, the generic for Novo Nordisk’s Ozempic, Wegovy and Rybelsus.

A recent study conducted in Sweden found that GLP-1 agonists such as Ozempic and Wegovy may help reduce alcohol consumption and related harms in individuals diagnosed with alcohol use disorder. 

The ever-rising popularity of GLP-1 medications is reshaping the landscape of bariatric surgeries — but experts say patients could be overlooking key factors when choosing between the two weight loss treatments.

Telehealth companies selling low-cost, compounded versions of popular weight-loss drugs, including Ozempic and Wegovy, are drawing increased interest from employers, Bloomberg reported Oct. 29.

 Between 2022 and 2023, prescriptions for GLP-1 drugs soared 132.6% while bariatric surgery rates fell 25.6%, according to a new study from researchers at Boston-based Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women’s Hospital. 

Researchers have recently identified more potential uses for Ozempic and other GLP-1 medications, including treating opioid use disorder, alcohol use disorder and Alzheimer’s disease. 

Novo Nordisk’s GLP-1 medication, Rybelsus, reduced major adverse cardiovascular events by 14% compared to a placebo in a phase 3 trial, the drugmaker said Oct. 21. 

Research led by a Northwestern Medicine team found that, despite higher upfront costs, bariatric surgeries offer two more quality years of life compared to GLP-1 therapies.

Hundreds of clinical trials are researching how drugs like Ozempic and Mounjaro affect a plethora of conditions, Nature reported Sept. 25. 

As the demand for GLP-1 drugs grows, there are several factors emerging that could result in its price decreasing.