The frenzy surrounding semaglutide—a breakthrough GLP‑1 “miracle” weight‑loss injection—is escalating, and the danger of counterfeit versions is more apparent than ever.

1. The Shortage Has Ended… Mostly

As of February 21, 2025, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration declared that the national shortage of semaglutide (marketed as Ozempic and Wegovy) has been resolved, meaning that manufacturer supply can now meet national demand Foley & Lardner LLPGoodRx.

Despite this, localized supply constraints remain possible as products move through the supply chain U.S. Food and Drug AdministrationCollege of Public Health. Similarly, in Australia, the Therapeutic Goods Administration confirms that prescribing restrictions have been lifted and availability is improving Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA).

2. Compounded ‘Copycat’ Versions Banned

During the shortage, compounding pharmacies legally produced semaglutide replicas under FDA enforcement discretion. That temporary allowance has now ended:

• 503A pharmacies: allowed until April 22, 2025
• 503B outsourcing facilities: until May 22, 2025 Burr & FormanSELF

Post-deadline, only brand‑name, FDA‑approved medications are legal, except for exceptional, patient‑specific modifications SELFBurr & Forman.

3. Surge in Legal Action Against Unauthorized Compounders

Novo Nordisk has ramped up litigation, filing 14 new lawsuits against compounding pharmacies, telehealth firms, and medical spas accused of selling unauthorized semaglutide—often with illicit ingredients and no proof of safety Reuters.

These lawsuits reflect growing concern over unsafe, unverified knockoffs, which may result in serious health risks and legal violations Investors.comReuters.

4. Counterfeit Ozempic Entering the Supply Chain

In April 2025, the FDA and Novo Nordisk warned that several hundred counterfeit units of Ozempic (semaglutide 1 mg) had entered the drug supply chain in the U.S. These were seized on April 9, but their identity, quality, and safety remain under investigation U.S. Food and Drug AdministrationNew York PostABC7 Los Angeles.

Products bearing lot number PAR0362 and serial numbers starting with 51746517 are confirmed as counterfeit U.S. Food and Drug AdministrationNew York PostABC7 Los Angeles. While six adverse events have been linked to that batch, none are yet conclusively tied to counterfeit drug use U.S. Food and Drug AdministrationNew York Post.

5. Global Concerns, Including the UK and Beyond

In the UK, the MHRA seized 400 pre‑filled pens in 2024—quintupling the previous year's total—amid a rising black market for semaglutide sold to ineligible patients via illicit online sources The Times.

The World Health Organization advises that semaglutide should only be obtained through qualified healthcare professionals diabetes.org.uk. MHRA and NHS guidance reiterates that GLP‑1 drugs are licensed for specific medical conditions—not as cosmetic or convenience weight‑loss aids—and that misuse poses serious risks GOV.UKRegulatory Affairs.

Additionally, the UK is tightening controls on online pharmacies prescribing weight‑loss jabs like Wegovy and Ozempic to prevent misuse and unregulated sales The Guardian.

6. Affordable Generics on the Horizon—but with Caution

India is preparing to release generic semaglutide by March 2026, which could slash prices by up to 80%, a major shift in accessibility The Economic Times. Companies like Eris Lifesciences are positioning to lead this generic wave The Economic Times.

In Canada, Sandoz aims to reduce prices of semaglutide drugs by about 70% post-patent expiry in early 2026, despite concerns that U.S. demand may strain Canadian supply Financial Times.

Final Word: The Bottom Line

• The semaglutide shortage is officially over—but compounded knockoffs remain banned.
• Counterfeit products are still circulating, posing serious health and safety risks.
• Regulatory agencies worldwide are cracking down—but so are online black‑market sellers.
• Genuine, affordable generics are on the way, but until then, authorized medical supervision and pharmacy channels are paramount.