Semaglutide first became available to patients in late 2017. Since then it has helped millions manage type 2 diabetes and, later, chronic weight issues. Many people now ask exactly how long this medicine has existed and how it reached today’s form.
The active ingredient itself took shape in research labs around 2012. Patient access began after the first regulatory green light in December 2017. That makes the drug roughly eight years old for routine care as of early 2026.
Knowing its journey helps patients talk confidently with doctors. This article traces the key steps in clear terms so you understand where semaglutide came from and why it matters now.
The Roots of GLP-1 Research
Scientists started exploring gut hormones in the 1970s. Teams in Denmark and the United States identified glucagon-like peptide-1, or GLP-1, as a natural messenger that helps control blood sugar after eating.
By the 1980s researchers proved this hormone could improve insulin release in people with type 2 diabetes. Early lab versions worked well but broke down in minutes, so they could not become daily medicines.
Work continued steadily through the 1990s. Scientists tested ways to make GLP-1-like molecules last longer in the body. One clue came from the saliva of the Gila monster lizard and led to the first approved drug in this class.
Advancing to Long-Acting GLP-1 Medicines
Exenatide – The First Step Forward
Exenatide, sold as Byetta, reached the market in 2005. It required two injections each day and lowered blood sugar while producing modest weight loss in some users.
Doctors noticed the extra benefit on appetite and weight. This success pushed companies to design even better versions that needed fewer shots.
Liraglutide – Daily Dosing Improves Convenience
Liraglutide followed in 2010 for diabetes and later as Saxenda for weight management in 2014. It lasted a full day, so patients injected once daily.
Results showed stronger weight loss than the first drug. Still, many hoped for a weekly option that would fit busy lives more easily.
Semaglutide Takes Shape
Novo Nordisk researchers, including Jesper Lau, Thomas Kruse and Paw Bloch, refined the molecule in the early 2010s. They swapped one amino acid and added a longer fatty-acid chain to bind tightly to blood proteins.
These changes extended action to about one week. The final molecule was ready around 2012 and entered human testing soon after.
Comparison of Early GLP-1 Receptor Agonists
| Medication | First Diabetes Approval | Dosing Frequency | Typical Weight Loss in Studies |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exenatide | 2005 | Twice daily | 2–4% of body weight |
| Liraglutide | 2010 | Once daily | 5–8% of body weight |
| Semaglutide | 2017 | Once weekly (or daily oral) | 12–15% of body weight |
The table highlights steady progress in convenience and results. Semaglutide delivered the largest average weight reduction among the three.
Key Clinical Trials That Built the Evidence
Diabetes Studies: The SUSTAIN Program
Large trials called SUSTAIN tested semaglutide mainly in adults with type 2 diabetes. Thousands of participants received weekly injections while continuing usual care.
Blood sugar dropped noticeably and many lost extra weight. Some studies also tracked heart health and showed reduced risk of major events.
Weight Management Studies: The STEP Program
Separate research focused on higher doses for people with obesity or overweight plus related conditions. The STEP trials ran for 68 weeks or longer and included lifestyle support.
Average weight loss reached 12–15 percent in many groups. Participants also reported better physical function and quality of life.
Safety checks ran throughout. Researchers monitored stomach side effects, which usually eased after the first weeks, and watched long-term heart and kidney outcomes.
Timeline of Approvals and New Options
The FDA approved Ozempic in December 2017 as a once-weekly injection for type 2 diabetes. Doctors soon saw the weight-loss side effect in real-world use.
Rybelsus tablets arrived in September 2019. The same active ingredient became available without needles, taken once daily on an empty stomach.
Wegovy received approval in June 2021 at a higher dose for chronic weight management. It opened broader access for eligible adults and, later, certain adolescents.
In 2024 Wegovy gained an extra indication to lower heart risks in adults with obesity and established cardiovascular disease. Late 2025 brought approval of a high-dose oral tablet version of Wegovy for weight loss, expanding choices further.
How Semaglutide Works Inside the Body
Semaglutide mimics the natural GLP-1 hormone. It prompts the pancreas to release insulin only when blood sugar rises and lowers another hormone that raises glucose.
The medicine also slows stomach emptying so food stays longer and signals the brain to reduce hunger. These actions together support steady blood sugar control and reduced calorie intake.
Because it binds to blood proteins, one dose lasts about a week. That is why weekly injections or careful daily tablets work well.
Real Benefits Patients Notice
Many users see their A1C fall within the first three months. Weight loss often starts after dose increases and continues for a year or longer when the medicine is taken regularly.
Portion control becomes easier and cravings decrease for many. Energy levels can improve as blood sugar stabilizes and extra weight comes off.
Heart and kidney protection appear in studies of higher-risk groups. Individual results still depend on diet, activity and consistent follow-up.
Common Side Effects to Watch For
- Nausea, especially during the first few weeks
- Vomiting or loose stools that usually settle
- Constipation in some people
- Mild stomach discomfort or bloating
Most effects are mild to moderate. Starting low and increasing slowly helps the body adjust. Your doctor can suggest simple changes if needed.
Practical Tips for Better Results
- Eat smaller meals and chew thoroughly to ease stomach upset.
- Drink plenty of water and focus on nutrient-rich foods.
- Track meals briefly to spot helpful patterns.
- Set a fixed day each week for injections to stay consistent.
- Share your full medication list with your healthcare team.
These small steps support comfort and help the medicine work as intended.
Looking Ahead
Ongoing studies explore semaglutide for additional conditions such as heart failure and liver disease. Real-world data keeps growing as more people use it safely over years.
The medicine is not a short-term solution. Most patients stay on it long term to hold onto benefits. Stopping often brings back appetite and weight.
Regular check-ups remain essential. Blood tests, weight tracking and honest conversations keep treatment on track.
Conclusion
Semaglutide has been part of patient care since 2017. It grew from decades of hormone research into a once-weekly or daily option that delivers stronger results than earlier medicines. For many, it provides real support when paired with healthy daily habits.
FAQ
How long has semaglutide been available as a prescription drug?
Semaglutide first reached pharmacies in December 2017 as Ozempic. By early 2026 that equals more than eight years of real-world use. Earlier lab work and trials took place in the 2010s, but patients outside studies began receiving it after the 2017 approval.
Is the oral version as effective as the injection?
Rybelsus tablets and the newer oral Wegovy both work well when taken correctly. Studies show blood-sugar and weight results close to the weekly shot. The main difference is daily dosing versus weekly, so choice depends on lifestyle and preference.
Can semaglutide be stopped once weight is lost?
Most people regain weight after stopping because hunger signals return. Doctors usually recommend continuing if the medicine is tolerated and goals are met. A slow taper with strong lifestyle habits can help maintain progress when needed.
Who should not use semaglutide?
People with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer or multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 should avoid it. Severe stomach, pancreas or gallbladder problems may also rule it out. Always review your full medical history with your doctor first.
How does semaglutide compare to older weight-loss medicines?
It produces larger average weight loss than many previous options and offers convenient weekly or daily dosing. Added heart and kidney benefits matter for certain patients. Individual results still depend on diet, activity and personal response.
What should I do if I miss a dose?
For weekly injections, take it as soon as you remember if within a few days. For daily tablets, skip the missed dose and resume the next day. Never double up. Contact your pharmacist or doctor for specific advice.
Dr. Usman is a medical content reviewer with 12+ years of experience in healthcare research and patient education. He specializes in evidence-based health information, medications, and chronic health topics. His work is based on trusted medical sources and current clinical guidelines to ensure accuracy, transparency, and reliability. Content reviewed by Dr. Usman is for educational purposes and does not replace professional medical advice.