Wegovy Shortage Update

FDA Update: Resolution of Semaglutide Shortage

On February 21, 2025, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) officially confirmed that the shortage of semaglutide injection products, including Wegovy and Ozempic, had been resolved. 

This shortage, which began in 2022 due to increased demand, has been a significant concern for both patients and healthcare providers.

The FDA stated that Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of semaglutide, confirmed that its manufacturing capacity can meet the current and projected national demand for semaglutide products. As a result, the FDA is no longer listing semaglutide on the FDA Drug Shortage List.

However, the FDA also cautioned that patients and prescribers may still encounter intermittent and localized supply disruptions as the products move through the supply chain, from manufacturers and distributors to local pharmacies. These disruptions, though likely temporary, could still occur as the medication reaches healthcare providers and patients at the local level.

The Rise of Wegovy and Semaglutide in Obesity and Diabetes Treatment

With the demand for effective treatments continuing to grow, both medical practitioners and patients are increasingly turning to semaglutide drugs as a multi-faceted treatment to tackle obesity and type 2 diabetes.

The Growing Demand for Semaglutide

Semaglutide, marketed under the brand names Wegovy (for weight loss) and Ozempic (for type 2 diabetes), has become one of the most sought-after treatments in the pharmaceutical market. These medications belong to the class of GLP-1 receptor agonists, designed to help patients lose weight, manage blood sugar levels, and reduce the risks associated with obesity and diabetes. The dramatic increase in demand for these medications has been driven by the growing obesity epidemic and rising awareness of their effectiveness.

• Wegovy, approved by the FDA for weight loss in 2021, works by mimicking the action of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), a hormone that regulates appetite and insulin secretion.
• Ozempic, originally approved for diabetes management, also gained popularity for off-label weight loss use.

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According to IQVIA, prescriptions for Wegovy in the United States more than tripled from 2021 to 2022, with sales reaching $2.6 billion in 2022 alone. Meanwhile, Ozempic's sales surpassed $8.3 billion in the same year.

The Role of GLP-1 Medications

The demand for GLP-1 medications has been compounded by the fact that these drugs offer a solution not just for weight loss but also for managing type 2 diabetes, a condition that affects millions worldwide. 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 34 million Americans are living with diabetes, and approximately 1 in 3 adults are considered pre-diabetic. The rising prevalence of diabetes and obesity has led to increased demand for medications that can address both conditions.

The combination of rising demand for weight loss treatments and the already high demand for diabetes medications has placed a significant strain on the supply of semaglutide and other GLP-1 drugs like Mounjaro (tirzepatide), Zepbound, and Rybelsus.

The Wegovy and Semaglutide Shortage: Why It Happened

Understanding the root causes of the shortage helps clarify the complexities involved in meeting the skyrocketing demand for Wegovy and other semaglutide-based medications.

Manufacturing and Supply Chain Challenges

The core reason behind the Wegovy shortage was the inability of Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of semaglutide, to keep up with the surge in demand, which increased by 442% from January 2021 to December 2023.

The company faced production delays and capacity issues, particularly when trying to scale up its operations to meet the needs of both the weight loss and diabetes markets.

Novo Nordisk had to announce in 2022 that Wegovy was on the FDA Drug Shortage List, indicating that supply issues were widespread. Despite ramping up efforts to expand manufacturing capacity, the company faced bottlenecks that prevented it from meeting demand.

By the end of 2023, 3 million Wegovy prescriptions were filled, but many patients continued to face delays in receiving their medication.

The Role of Compounding Pharmacies

As the shortage of semaglutide products continued, compounding pharmacies emerged as an important solution to bridge the supply gap. 

Compounding pharmacies use the same active ingredients (such as semaglutide) as the FDA-approved products, but they create customized formulations in small batches. This allowed patients to access GLP-1 medications, albeit in compounded forms, and often at a lower price than brand-name options.

The rise in compounded semaglutide prescriptions helped mitigate the shortage for thousands of patients. Many patients turned to local pharmacies to access compounded drugs, although questions around their effectiveness and safety remain a concern.

Nonetheless, this approach has been critical in ensuring that patients who needed these medications could still access them during periods of short supply.

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What Does the Resolution of the Shortage Mean for Patients and Healthcare Providers?

1. Increased Access to Semaglutide Products

The FDA’s confirmation that the shortage of semaglutide injections has been resolved is a relief for patients and healthcare providers. This means that those who were previously unable to obtain Wegovy or Ozempic will likely experience fewer disruptions in accessing their treatment.

The increased availability of FDA-approved semaglutide products will help stabilize the market and ensure that weight-loss drugs are accessible to those who need them.

2. Potential Impact on Off-Label Prescribing

While Wegovy was initially prescribed for weight loss, Ozempic was widely used off-label for the same purpose. With the resolution of the shortage, healthcare providers may feel more confident prescribing semaglutide-based medications for both approved and off-label uses.

Off-label prescribing could lead to a rise in demand for these medications in the coming months, potentially testing the limits of supply once again.

• Off-label prescribing: Research suggests that the off-label use of semaglutide rose by 256% between 2018 and 2022. By 2022, more than 20% of patients (22.1%) had been prescribed this treatment for off-label purposes.

Bottom Line

The resolution of Wegovy and semaglutide shortages is a milestone for providers and patients alike, with expanded access to these highly effective medications for type 2 diabetes and obesity. When demand stabilizes with supply, rising demand for these medications—driven by obesity and increased awareness of their worth—will drive more prescribing and off-label use.

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While compounding pharmacies played a crucial role in filling gaps during shortages, patients can now expect to see more consistent availability of FDA-approved products.

For those who need a reliable and personalized treatment for diabetes and weight control, LookMeds is honored to offer compounded semaglutide. Get started with LookMeds today to discuss our individualized treatment plans and ensure uninterrupted access to semaglutide benefits for your health.