Sales of Ozempic and Its Analogs in Russia Quadrupled

In the first half of 2025, Ozempic and its analogs — widely used for both diabetes treatment and weight loss — reached record sales in Russian pharmacies. According to Pravilamag, from January to June, these drugs were sold for a total of 12.5 billion rubles, with over 2.2 million packages dispensed. Peak demand occurred in March.

This trend may impact Uzbekistan’s pharmaceutical market, medical practices, and public health. Here\'s a professional breakdown:

Ozempic contains semaglutide, originally developed to treat type 2 diabetes. Recently, it gained popularity as a weight-loss aid, increasing satiety and reducing appetite.

Reasons for the 4-fold increase in Russia:

1. Local analogues have appeared: drugs such as “Semavik” (Geropharm) and “Kvisenta” (Promomed) have entered the market. They are also based on the substance semaglutide, and their prices are relatively lower — on average 8–10% cheaper.

2. Included in clinical guidelines: Ozempic has been added to the list of officially recommended medications against obesity in Russia.

3. Promoted on social media: as the demand for weight loss grows, the popularity of the drug has also increased.