FDA Ends Ozempic, Wegovy Shortage: Demand Now Met

The FDA has declared an end to the Ozempic and Wegovy shortage as of February 21, 2025, with manufacturer Novo Nordisk now meeting or exceeding demand. You’ll find that compounding pharmacies have 60-90 days to stop producing copycat versions of these popular weight loss and diabetes medications. While regular shipments are reaching wholesalers nationwide, some legal battles may emerge as certain companies resist halting their compound production. The full impact of this announcement extends far beyond the pharmacy counter.

After nearly three years of limited availability, the FDA has officially declared an end to the Ozempic and Wegovy shortage, marking a significant turning point for millions of patients seeking these popular weight loss and diabetes medications. The announcement, made on February 21, 2025, confirms that semaglutide availability now meets or exceeds current and projected demand, based on data from manufacturer Novo Nordisk and other sources. U.S. regulators have officially ended drug supply monitoring for both medications.

The resolution of the shortage, which began in March 2022 for Wegovy and August 2022 for Ozempic, has immediate implications for compounding pharmacies. You’ll need to know that these facilities now have 60-90 days to stop producing copycat versions of the drugs, though the FDA will still permit compounding for specific clinical needs.

Compounding pharmacies must cease semaglutide production within 90 days, marking the end of widespread copycat manufacturing during the shortage period.

Novo Nordisk argues that knockoff production is now largely illegal, setting up a potential legal battle with companies like Hims & Hers, which plans to continue offering compounded semaglutide. State officials have expressed serious concerns about illegal drug imports threatening consumer safety.

Novo Nordisk has ramped up production to meet demand, operating its facilities around the clock and investing $6.5 billion in U.S. manufacturing capacity. With a history spanning over a century, the company brings extensive diabetes expertise to their manufacturing processes. They’ve also launched an AI-powered app called “Find My Meds” to help you locate available doses. The company maintains regular shipments of all doses to wholesalers across the country.

The market has responded strongly to these developments, with Novo Nordisk’s stock rising 5% while Hims & Hers saw a 26% decline.

If you’re currently using compounded versions of these medications, you’ll likely need to shift to FDA-approved products. While the overall supply has improved, you might still experience occasional local disruptions. Healthcare providers are preparing to guide patients through these changes, emphasizing the importance of maintaining continuity of care during the shift.

The FDA isn’t stepping back entirely – they’ll continue monitoring supply and demand for semaglutide products and may take action against substandard or unsafe compounded alternatives. They’ve made it clear that there are strict legal restrictions on copying FDA-approved drugs, though they’re providing guidance for compounders during the shift period.

Looking ahead, you can expect increased competition in the weight loss drug market. Manufacturers are focusing on expanding their production capacity to meet growing demand, while researchers continue studying long-term effects and new applications for GLP-1 medications.

The development of new delivery methods and formulations is also underway, suggesting that you’ll have more options in the future.

The end of this shortage represents a major shift in the landscape of weight loss and diabetes treatment. While it creates challenges for companies that have built business models around the shortage designation, it promises improved access to FDA-approved medications for patients who need them.

The next few months will be significant as the market adjusts to these changes and stakeholders navigate the new regulatory environment.