# The Men Who Discovered Ozempic
Thomas Kruse and Jesper Lau, two chemists at the Danish pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk, developed semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic. Their work transformed weight management and metabolic health across the globe.
Semaglutide belongs to a class of drugs called GLP-1 receptor agonists. These compounds mimic glucagon-like peptide 1, a hormone that regulates blood sugar and appetite. The drug was initially approved by the FDA in 2017 for type 2 diabetes management under the name Ozempic. In 2021, the higher-dose formulation Wegovy gained approval for chronic weight management.
The chemists' discovery emerged from years of research into incretin-based therapies. GLP-1 receptor agonists had existed for decades, but they required frequent injections and offered limited effectiveness. Kruse and Lau's breakthrough involved extending the drug's half-life, allowing weekly injections instead of daily ones. This innovation made the treatment practical for widespread use.
Clinical trials demonstrated semaglutide's effectiveness. Patients receiving the highest dose lost approximately 15 percent of their body weight over 68 weeks. For patients with type 2 diabetes, it also improved cardiovascular outcomes and reduced the risk of heart attack and stroke.
The drug's popularity exploded beyond medical necessity. Celebrities and influencers publicized their use for aesthetic weight loss, creating supply shortages for diabetic patients who depend on it for disease management. Healthcare systems worldwide faced questions about equitable access and appropriate prescribing.
Kruse and Lau's discovery reshaped conversations around weight management. Rather than treating obesity solely as a behavioral issue, semaglutide offered a pharmacological approach based on end