What led to the resolution of the Ozempic and Wegovy shortages?

The resolution of the shortages was primarily due to Novo Nordisk's substantial efforts to increase manufacturing capacity, including a $6.5 billion investment in U.S. production facilities. This allowed them to meet or exceed current and projected U.S. demand for these medications.

How might the end of the Ozempic and Wegovy shortages affect companies producing compounded versions of these drugs?

The end of the shortages could impact companies like Hims & Hers, which have been producing compounded versions under FDA rules allowing mass production when the originals are hard to obtain. The FDA has stated it will not take action against these compounders for a limited time to avoid disrupting patient treatment.

What potential supply issues remain despite the resolution of the shortages?

Although the shortages are resolved, there may still be intermittent and limited localized supply disruptions as products move through the supply chain.

4 sources·Health

FDA Declares End to Ozempic and Wegovy Shortages After Two Years

The FDA announces the resolution of the prolonged shortages of Ozempic and Wegovy, allowing Novo Nordisk to meet U.S. demand for these treatments.

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Sales have soared for the drugs in recent years.
Yearslong shortage of popular weight-loss and diabetes drugs is resolved, FDA says
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Pharmaceutical giants that market lucrative weight-loss drugs have battled with firms that sell less expensive versions made by compounding pharmacies.
Shortage of popular drugs Wegovy and Ozempic is over, FDA says.
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The FDA's decision on Friday decision could better position Novo Nordisk to compete with Eli Lilly in the booming weight loss drug market, which some analysts say could be worth more than $150 billion annually after 2030.
Shortage of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy and Ozempic drugs is resolved, FDA says
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Demand for the medications Mounjaro, Zepbound, Ozempic, and Wegovy (GLP-1 drugs) has skyrocketed, but supply shortages and high costs have created opportunities for wrongdoers to cash in and endanger consumers.
FDA declares end to Wegovy and Ozempic shortage
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Feb 21st, 2025, 4:46 PM ET

Summary

A summary of the key points of this story verified across multiple sources.

The FDA has declared the shortages of popular diabetes and weight loss drugs Ozempic and Wegovy resolved, enabling Novo Nordisk to meet current and future demand. Despite this, intermittent supply disruptions may occur during the distribution process. The resolution comes after Novo Nordisk invested $6.5 billion in production capacity in the U.S. Since 2022, compounded versions of these medications had provided alternative access, raising concerns as their production may become limited with the official end of the shortage. The ongoing market dynamics may impact competitors in the burgeoning weight loss drug industry.

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