When Science Meets Innovation: How Ozempic Became a Game-Changer in Healthcare
Type 2 diabetes is a chronic metabolic condition where the body either doesn't produce enough insulin or becomes resistant to insulin's effects. This lack of insulin leads to problems with blood sugar regulation, as insulin is needed to help glucose (sugar) enter cells for energy.
Obesity is also a complex chronic disease in which excess body fat has accumulated so much that it may adversely affect health. However, obesity is increasingly recognised as more than a matter of weight, involving complex interactions between genetic, environmental, and physiological factors. With their close links to each other and rising prevalence worldwide, type 2 diabetes and obesity highlight the urgent need for innovative solutions, including transformative weight-loss drugs that address their shared biological pathways.
In 2022, 1 in 8 people in the world were living with obesity, and the number of people living with diabetes rose from 200 million in 1990 to 830 million in 2022. More than 95% of people with diabetes have type 2 diabetes; although preventable, over time, it can cause severe damage to the body, especially nerves and blood vessels. As these conditions became more widespread, it has driven demand for effective treatments that improve health outcomes and fit seamlessly into the modern, fast-paced lifestyle.
One such treatment is Ozempic, a brand name for the drug semaglutide, which has become one of the most popular medications globally, embraced by people from all walks of life – including those in Hollywood circles. Ozempic has transformed the treatment landscape for type 2 diabetes and obesity. This groundbreaking medication's history is as intriguing as its science, demonstrating a story of perseverance, collaboration, and scientific ingenuity. Its development traces back to the discovery of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) in the 1980s, a hormone released by the intestines in response to a food that stimulates insulin secretion, inhibits glucagon (which raises blood sugar levels) and slows digestion. Scientists quickly realised the hormone's potential to regulate blood sugar and induce weight loss.
However, GLP-1 hormone has a significant flaw: it is metabolised by the enzyme dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) within just two minutes, making it impractical as a therapeutic agent. Researchers faced a daunting challenge - creating a stable GLP-1 mimic that could resist rapid degradation in the human body.
Novo Nordisk began working on GLP-1 receptor agonists* in the early 1990s, pouring significant resources into understanding the hormone's biology and creating viable treatments. Yet, they were not the first to achieve regulatory success. In 2005, Eli Lilly and Amylin Pharmaceuticals launched exenatide (Byetta), the first GLP-1 agonist approved for type 2 diabetes. It is a synthetic version of a peptide, or small protein, found in what has been variously described as the saliva or the venom of the Gila monster, a poisonous lizard. This leap motivated Novo Nordisk to continue refining their approach, knowing that sustained-release formulations with better therapeutic profiles could revolutionise care.
The road to semaglutide was long and relentless. Novo Nordisk's innovation rested on clever peptide engineering. Their clever trick was to modify the GLP-1 molecule to increase stability and extend circulatory life to ensure the drug stays in the bloodstream for longer.
How Ozempic Works?
Ozempic works by mimicking a natural GLP-1 hormone, which helps regulate blood sugar, appetite, and digestion. Here’s how it helps: Helps the Body Make Insulin: Ozempic helps your pancreas release more insulin when your blood sugar is high. Insulin is like a key that lets sugar from your blood move into your cells, giving you energy.
Prevents Too Much Sugar from Entering Your Blood: It tells your liver to stop releasing extra sugar into your bloodstream, keeping your blood sugar levels steady.
Keeps You Feeling Full for Longer: Ozempic slows down how quickly food leaves your stomach, so you stay full for a longer time after meals. Reduces Hunger: It also communicates with your brain to reduce cravings and help you feel less hungry.
These innovations resulted in a once-weekly injectable formulation - a remarkable leap from earlier GLP-1 agonists that required multiple daily doses. The science took decades of meticulous testing, but the payoff was immense: Ozempic was approved for type 2 diabetes in 2017. A higher-dose version, marketed as Wegovy, followed in 2021 for chronic weight management.
What Other GLP-1 Drugs Are Available?
Ten GLP-1 drugs are FDA-approved to treat either type 2 diabetes or weight loss. Some GLP-1 agonists have the same generic name but are marketed under a different brand name and are approved for a different purpose, depending on the dose and how they are taken. The global market for GLP-1 analogues was valued at approximately USD 46.7 billion in 2024. Projections indicate substantial growth, with the market anticipated to increase from USD 56.62 billion in 2025 to an impressive USD 322.85 billion by 2034.
Generic Name | Brand Name | Approved Use |
Semaglutide injection | Ozempic | Type 2 diabetes |
Semaglutide injection | Wegovy | Weight loss |
Semaglutide tablets | Rybelsus | Type 2 diabetes |
Liraglutide | Victoza | Type 2 diabetes |
Liraglutide | Saxenda | Weight loss |
Tirzepatide | Mounjaro | Type 2 diabetes |
Tirzepatide | Zepbound | Weight loss |
Dulaglutide | Trulicity | Type 2 diabetes |
Exenatide | Byetta | Type 2 diabetes |
Exenatide extended-release | Bydureon | Type 2 diabetes |
The differences between GLP-1 drugs are based on the dosages, how they are taken (injection or pill), age, tolerance, and additional benefits. Most of the common side effects of GLP-1 drugs are gastrointestinal symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation.
The development of Ozempic highlights the essential role that scientific research and innovation play in tackling some of the most challenging health issues we face today. By building on key discoveries like GLP-1, researchers have not only changed the landscape of diabetes treatment but also opened new avenues for addressing obesity - a condition often stigmatised and frequently overlooked, despite its significant impact on global health.
Ozempic exemplifies the power of perseverance, teamwork, and curiosity in transforming scientific breakthroughs into therapies that change lives. Its success serves as an inspiration for future innovations, demonstrating that with the right blend of creativity and determination, we can develop solutions that greatly enhance the lives of millions around the world. As the demand for GLP-1 analogues grows, Ozempic shines as a symbol of hope for those facing the challenges of chronic metabolic diseases, showcasing how advanced science can positively influence human health on a global scale.
*Agonist - a substance, like a drug or a natural chemical in the body, that activates a specific part of a cell, called receptor. It is like a key fitting into a lock: the agonist is the key that turns the lock (receptor) and makes something happen in the body, for example releasing insulin or reducing appetite.
Sources (accessed between January 4-22, 2025):
Retail Wire: Will Weight Loss Drugs Radically Reshape America’s Diet? December 20, 2023 (image);
World Health Organisation: Obesity and overweight, March 14, 2024;
World Health Organisation: Diabetes November 14, 2024;
Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. J.M. Friedman, The discovery and development of GLP-1 based drugs that have revolutionized the treatment of obesity, 121 (39) e2415550121, https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2415550121(2024);
Acquired.fm Podcast Episodes: "Novo Nordisk: Ozempic" Season 14, Episode 1, January 21, 2024; "The Scientific Journey Behind Ozempic with Lotte Bjerre Knudsen" ACQ2 Episode, March 5, 2024;
Nature Medicine Article "GLP-1 Drugs: Their Promise for Weight Loss and Health Benefits";
NBC News Article "Beyond Ozempic: GLP-1 Drugs Promise Weight Loss and Health Benefits" June 23, 2024;
Harvard Health Publishing Article "GLP-1 Diabetes and Weight Loss Drug Side Effects";
Lilly Investors April 29, 2005 Amylin and Lilly Announce FDA Approval of BYETTA(TM) (Exenatide) Injection | Eli Lilly and Company.
Polaris Market Research & Consulting. November 19, 2024 GLP-1 Analogues Market Size, Share & Forecast Report, 2025-2034
StatPearls Publishing February 25, 2024: Latif W, Lambrinos KJ, Patel P, et al. Compare and Contrast the Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists (GLP1RAs) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK572151/.
Image: © 2023 MMS 360, "GLP-1 RAs Pharmacological Action"
Author: Elwira Kaminska