Novo Nordisk developed the diabetes medicine Ozempic and the weight-loss medicine Wegovy.
Novo Nordisk is a Danish healthcare company with roots in two insulin makers: Nordisk Insulinlaboratorium, founded in 1923, and Novo Terapeutisk Laboratorium, founded in 1925. The companies merged in 1989 to form Novo Nordisk.
Ozempic and Wegovy both contain semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist. Ozempic is marketed for adults with type 2 diabetes, while Wegovy is marketed for chronic weight management in eligible patients. The medicines have different approved indications and dosing schedules.
Novo Nordisk is often compared with Eli Lilly, whose tirzepatide products include Mounjaro and Zepbound. Semaglutide is not tirzepatide, even though both treatments act on hormone pathways related to blood sugar and appetite.