What type of drug is Ozempic (semaglutide)?

Ozempic (semaglutide) is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) analog.

Ozempic is used along with diet and exercise to improve blood sugar in adults with type 2 diabetes, and to reduce the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events such as heart attack, stroke, or death in adults with type 2 diabetes and known heart disease.

Ozempic is available as a pre-filled, multi-use pen for once weekly injection into the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm.

What are GLP-1 analogs?

GLP-1 analogs are also commonly known as incretin mimetics and mimic incretin hormones like glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). They bind to GLP-1 receptors and stimulate glucose dependent insulin release to lower blood glucose (blood sugar). GLP-1 analogs also suppress appetite, inhibit glucagon secretion, and slow gastric emptying to prevent a rapid rise in blood sugar levels after eating.

GLP-1 analogs include:

• exenatide (Byetta, Bydureon, Bydureon BCise)
• liraglutide (Victoza, Saxenda)
• albiglutide (Tanzeum)
• dulaglutide (Trulicity)
• lixisenatide (Adlyxin)
• semaglutide (Ozempic, Rybelsus)