History of Semaglutide

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  • 1970s
    Initial research[2]

    Jens Juul Holst and Joel Habener began research on the GLP-1 hormone, initially in relation to duodenal ulcer disease.

  • 1993
    First GLP-1 trial[3]

    Michael Nauck manages to infuse GLP-1 into people with type 2 diabetes, stimulating insulin while inhibiting glucagon and bringing blood glucose to normal levels. However, patients had significant side effects

  • 2008
    Novo Nordisk creates semaglutide[4]

    Semaglutide is created by Novo Nordisk, a global healthcare company headquartered in Denmark that specializes in diabetes care.

  • August 2015
    Type 2 diabetes trials conclude[6]

    Pivotal clinical trials demonstrate the efficacy of semaglutide for type 2 diabetes.

  • October 2016
    Initial FDA submission[7]

    Novo Nordisk submits a New Drug Application (NDA) for semaglutide to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

  • December 2017
    FDA approves Ozempic[8]

    The FDA approves Ozempic (semaglutide) for type 2 diabetes.

  • September 2019
    FDA approves Rybelsus[9]

    The FDA approves Rybelsus, the oral form of semaglutide, for type 2 diabetes.

  • June 2021
    FDA approves Wegovy[10]

    The FDA approves Wegovy (semaglutide) for chronic weight management.

  • 2020
    Semaglutide patents filed[5]

    Novo Nordisk files patents related to semaglutide.

  • November 2023
    FDA approves Tirzepatide[11]

    The FDA approves Tirzepatide for weight loss.

  • March 2024
    The Oprah Effect

    Oprah dedicates an entire episode to semaglutide, fueling its popularity.

  • April 2024
    Kendric Lamar/Drake drama

    The artest Kendric Lamar drops "Euphoria", a six-minute diss track in which he publicly accuses Drake of using Ozempic for weight loss.

  • May 2024
    South Park special

    South Park releases a special 45-minute episode called "South Park: The End of Obesity", highlighting Ozempic's popularity to comedic effect.

  • Now
    You Are Here.
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