Ozempic Demand & Semaglutides: Is There Still a Shortage?

Ozempic, manufactured by Novo Nordisk, is an FDA-approved treatment for type 2 diabetes and part of a broader class of medications known as semaglutides. In recent years, Ozempic demand has surged alongside growing interest in semaglutides for both diabetes care and weight management. As demand grew in early 2022, many patients once asked, “Is there an Ozempic shortage?” supply constraints have largely stabilized since late February 2025. Today, the bigger story is the sustained demand for semaglutides and the expanding role of weight management medications like Ozempic and Wegovy in employer health plans and pharmacy benefits strategies.

Why Semaglutides Demand Continues to Rise

Medications like Ozempic and Wegovy belong to a class known as semaglutides, or GLP-1 receptor agonists. Originally approved for type 2 diabetes, they have demonstrated significant clinical effectiveness not only in glycemic control but also in weight management.

Several factors are fueling increased demand:

• Strong clinical outcomes for diabetes management

• Expanded FDA approvals for chronic weight management

• Increased public awareness and media coverage

• Employer interest in obesity-related cost reduction

As a result, semaglutides have quickly become one of the fastest-growing drug categories in terms of demand and overall plan spend.

What Rising Ozempic Demand Means for Employers

For employers and benefits leaders, the rapid growth in semaglutide utilization presents both opportunity and risk.

On one hand, improved diabetes and weight outcomes may reduce downstream medical costs. On the other, GLP-1 medications represent a significant and growing share of pharmacy spend.

Key considerations include:

• Utilization management strategies

• Appropriate clinical guardrails

• Transparent pricing structures

• Member education and engagement
  
  

Employers need data-driven insight to determine how to balance access, cost control, and long-term health outcomes.

How Modern PBMs Are Managing GLP-1 Utilization

The surge in semaglutides demand underscores the importance of aligned pharmacy benefit management. Traditional PBM models often lack transparency in rebate structures and may not provide employers with clear visibility into utilization trends.

Modern PBMs, like SmithRx, take a fiduciary-aligned approach by:

• Providing transparent pricing

• Implementing evidence-based prior authorization protocols

• Offering real-time utilization reporting

• Supporting employers with sustainable coverage strategies
  
  

As GLP-1 medications continue reshaping pharmacy benefits, strategic oversight is critical.

It’s important our members continue to manage their blood glucose levels to prevent long-term complications from diabetes. SmithRx is available to support our members and clients in navigating the short supply. We have sent mailers to potentially impacted members and provided covered, formulary alternatives and proactive measures to ensure members have enough medication on hand.