Novo Nordisk developed the Ozempic and Wegovy brands, whose active ingredient is semaglutide.
Novo Nordisk is a Danish pharmaceutical company with roots in two insulin businesses. Nordisk Insulinlaboratorium was founded in 1923, while Novo Terapeutisk Laboratorium was established in 1925; the companies merged in 1989. Diabetes care remains central to its business.
Ozempic was approved in the United States in 2017 for adults with type 2 diabetes. Wegovy, a higher-dose semaglutide product for chronic weight management, received United States approval in 2021. Strong demand for these medicines helped drive a dramatic rise in Novo Nordisk’s market capitalization.
The most important comparison is with Eli Lilly. Lilly’s Mounjaro and Zepbound contain tirzepatide, a different active ingredient. Brand approvals and indications can vary between countries.