Generic Name of Ozempic
The generic name for Ozempic is semaglutide. 1
Brand Name Formulations
Semaglutide is marketed under multiple brand names depending on the indication and formulation:
Ozempic (semaglutide injection) - FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes management and cardiovascular risk reduction in adults with type 2 diabetes and known heart disease, available in doses up to 2.0 mg once weekly 1
Wegovy (semaglutide injection) - FDA-approved specifically for chronic weight management at a higher dose of 2.4 mg once weekly in adults with BMI ≥30 kg/m² or BMI ≥27 kg/m² with weight-related comorbidities 2, 3
Rybelsus (oral semaglutide tablets) - FDA-approved oral formulation for type 2 diabetes, available in 3 mg, 7 mg, and 14 mg daily doses 4, 5
Chemical Classification
Semaglutide is classified as a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist with 94% sequence homology to human GLP-1 1. The molecular formula is C187H291N45O59 with a molecular weight of 4113.58 g/mol 1. The peptide backbone is produced by yeast fermentation, with albumin binding as the main protraction mechanism facilitated by modification of position 26 lysine with a hydrophilic spacer and a C18 fatty di-acid 1.
Mechanism of Action
Semaglutide acts by selectively binding to and activating the GLP-1 receptor, stimulating insulin secretion and lowering glucagon secretion in a glucose-dependent manner 1. The principal mechanism of protraction resulting in the long half-life of approximately 1 week is albumin binding, which decreases renal clearance and provides protection from metabolic degradation 1. Additionally, semaglutide is stabilized against degradation by the DPP-4 enzyme through modification in position 8 1.
Important Clinical Distinction
While all three brand names contain the same active ingredient (semaglutide), Ozempic and Wegovy differ in their maximum approved doses and FDA-approved indications - Ozempic reaches 2.0 mg weekly for diabetes management, while Wegovy reaches 2.4 mg weekly specifically for weight management and cardiovascular risk reduction in patients with obesity 2, 3.