Ozempic supply will continue to be limited until the end of next year, according to the latest advice from Novo Nordisk, Ozempic’s supplier.

The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) said Novo Nordisk has advised that they are continuing to increase manufacturing capacity, but it would take time to build supply levels to meet global and Australian demand.

The TGA said the semaglutide product is approved for the management of type 2 diabetes not adequately managed by other medications, in conjunction with diet and exercise. A separate semaglutide product, Wegovy, is approved to help with chronic weight management.

Diabetes Australia understands the significant concerns of Australians living with type 2 diabetes about the ongoing Ozempic shortage and will continue to advocate for prioritised access for people living with diabetes.

Diabetes Australia has advocated for the TGA to investigate the shortages of a number of diabetes-related medicines and products in recent years and redouble efforts to ensure Australians can be confident that supply chains are sufficient to meet their needs.

The TGA has asked health professionals to:

• consider the ongoing shortage when prescribing Ozempic, inform patients that supply is expected to be limited in 2025, and discuss alternative treatments when patients are unable to access the medicine.
• prescribe and supply both Ozempic and Wegovy according to their approved indications.

Information about the Ozempic shortage is available from the TGA website.