Increased sales of Ozempix in Russia see a fourfold increase over six months
Russia is witnessing a significant surge in the sales of semaglutide-based drugs, driven by a combination of domestic production of affordable generics, regulatory support, and increasing public demand for obesity treatment. This trend reflects a broader effort to address the global issue of obesity, often referred to as the pandemic of the 21st century.
Key reasons for the sales increase include a sixfold increase in sales of weight loss drugs such as semaglutide and tirzepatide in early 2025 compared to the previous year. Pharmaceutical companies produced 2.4 million packages in just three months, representing a tenfold increase compared to a year ago [1].
The introduction of a Russian generic semaglutide-based drug (tirzepatide) in January 2025 via compulsory licensing allowed domestic manufacturers to produce more affordable versions without patent restrictions, helping meet demand with lower prices than global drugs [1].
Semaglutide products like Ozempic (for diabetes) and Wegovy (for weight management) were added to official Russian clinical guidelines for obesity treatment, legitimizing and promoting their use [3]. Social media promotion and increased public interest in weight loss treatments also contributed to higher demand [3].
The rapid growth in semaglutide sales has had a substantial impact on the market. In the first half of 2025, revenue from semaglutide-based drugs in Russia surpassed 12 billion rubles ($150 million), a fourfold increase year-on-year, with over 2 million packages sold [2][3]. Local generics such as “Semavik” and “Kvisenta” are priced 8–10% lower than original drugs, boosting accessibility [3].
This boom in semaglutide drug sales could improve obesity treatment outcomes by providing wider access to effective medications, thereby potentially reducing obesity-related health issues in Russia [1][3]. The sociological data shows that 80% of Russians tried weight loss in the last two years, and many are considering medication-assisted therapy [1].
It's important to note that obesity is a global concern, with approximately one in eight people worldwide currently suffering from obesity, totaling over 1 billion people [4]. In Russia, the official statistics for obesity stood at 24.6% as of the beginning of 2025, with a higher rate among women (27.4%) compared to men (20.6%) [5]. Up to 40% of the adult population in Russia suffers from obesity, according to Mikhail Bogomolov, president of the Russian Diabetic Association [6].
While no new statistics or percentages related to the adult population suffering from obesity were provided, it is clear that the issue remains significant in Russia. The chief dietologist of the Ministry of Health advises critically evaluating advertising of diets and 'healthy' food products [7].
In conclusion, the surge in semaglutide drug sales in Russia stems from a combination of domestic production of affordable generics, regulatory support, and increasing public demand for obesity treatment, fueling a fast-growing market that enhances treatment availability and addresses a significant health concern [1][2][3].
References: 1. RBC 2. Vedomosti 3. Meduza 4. World Health Organization 5. Rosstat 6. Russian Diabetic Association 7. Rostransnadzor
- The introduction of generic semaglutide-based drugs, such as tirzepatide, in Russia's market has not only boosted sales but also increased accessibility to these products due to lower prices, as seen with local generics like Semavik and Kvisenta.
- The surge in semaglutide sales in Russia is linked not only to domestic production and affordability but also to the growing public interest in health-and-wellness topics, particularly nutrition and weight-management, as well as the promotion of these drugs on social media.
