Novo Nordisk Rebrands Rybelsus as Ozempic to Increase Patient Awareness

On February 4, 2026, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Ozempic as the proprietary name for Novo Nordisk’s oral semaglutide formulation 1.5 mg, 4 mg, and 9 mg for adult patients with type 2 diabetes. The pill’s active ingredient is the same as the treatment previously known as Rybelsus, meaning the change is effectively a rebrand of an existing drug.1

Diabetes Dialogue cohosts Diana Isaacs, PharmD, and Natalie Bellini, DNP, discuss the decision and its expected impact on patient awareness of the drug’s availability and efficacy.

Check out the full episode on oral GLP-1s here.

In this segment, the discussion opens with a review of the recent expansion of oral semaglutide options, including higher-dose oral Wegovy and the FDA approval of 14 mg oral semaglutide now branded as Ozempic for type 2 diabetes. Isaacs and Bellini emphasize that this development does not represent a new molecular entity, but rather a reformulation and strategic rebranding of oral semaglutide previously marketed as Rybelsus. Based on bioequivalence data, the updated formulation maintains comparable efficacy, safety, and pharmacokinetic properties to earlier oral semaglutide doses, while offering a more concentrated preparation that simplifies dosing without altering potency.

The cohosts also highlight the practical and administrative simplification achieved through harmonized branding. Historically, clinicians navigated distinct brand identities—Wegovy for weight management and Ozempic for type 2 diabetes—across injectable formulations, while oral semaglutide carried a separate name. This fragmentation often created confusion for patients and added complexity to prior authorizations, particularly given the substantial overlap between type 2 diabetes and obesity in clinical populations. By aligning oral and injectable products under consistent brand identities tied to indication, prescribing discussions become clearer and more intuitive for both clinicians and patients.

The duo notes that name recognition appears to significantly influence patient interest and engagement. While oral semaglutide was previously available, uptake of Rybelsus was perceived as modest. In contrast, rebranding to oral Ozempic—and the introduction of oral Wegovy—has already generated increased patient inquiries, suggesting that familiarity with established GLP-1 receptor agonist brands may enhance acceptance and demand.

Isaacs and Bellini also highlight key pharmacologic and administration considerations. Oral semaglutide must be taken with no more than four ounces of water and separated from other medications to optimize absorption, due to its co-formulated absorption enhancer. Although administered daily, it retains a prolonged half-life of approximately one week, comparable to injectable formulations. The daily schedule reflects bioavailability constraints rather than rapid clearance, and appropriate counseling remains essential—particularly regarding dose holding for pregnancy planning or perioperative management.

Overall, Isaacs and Bellini characterize these updates as a meaningful step toward streamlining GLP-1 receptor agonist therapy. By reducing confusion, simplifying prescribing logistics, and leveraging brand continuity, the transition to oral Ozempic and oral Wegovy may improve access, adherence, and patient-centered care for individuals with type 2 diabetes and obesity.

Editor’s Note: Isaacs reports disclosures with Dexcom, Abbott, Lilly, Novo Nordisk, Medtronic, Insulet, and others. Bellini reports disclosures with Abbott Diabetes Care, MannKind, Povention Bio, and others.

References

1: Novo Nordisk. Novo Nordisk introduces Ozempic Pill; Available in the US Q2 2026. February 4, 2026. Accessed February 17, 2026. https://www.novonordisk-us.com/media/news-archive/news-details.html?id=916488