Semaglutide officially enters Moroccan market amid global rush for GLP-1 drugs

Semaglutide, the diabetes drug at the center of a global boom in weight-loss treatments, has entered the Moroccan market through a partnership between Danish pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk and local producer Laprophan, the companies announced Monday.

The drug, sold globally as Ozempic for diabetes and Wegovy for obesity, will be available in Morocco in 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, and 1 mg doses.

The launch was unveiled during a scientific conference in Marrakech attended by more than 400 healthcare professionals focusing on diabetes management and prevention.

Semaglutide belongs to a class of drugs known as GLP-1 receptor agonists that regulate blood sugar and reduce appetite.

Novo Nordisk said the treatment offers improved control of type 2 diabetes, which affects about 2.6 million Moroccans, according to the Ministry of Health.

Professor Nawal El Ansari, head of endocrinology at Mohammed VI University Hospital, said the drug “sets a new benchmark for diabetes care” and can significantly cut the risk of complications if used properly.

The World Health Organization estimates that nearly 25 percent of Moroccan adults are overweight or obese, contributing to higher rates of cardiovascular disease and diabetes-related hospitalizations.

Morocco’s Health Ministry has warned that lifestyle-related conditions now account for more than half of chronic disease cases nationwide.

Novo Nordisk’s move into North Africa follows growing demand for semaglutide-based drugs worldwide, as users turn to GLP-1 therapies for weight management beyond their original diabetic use.

Global sales of semaglutide products surpassed $16 billion in 2024, according to company data.

The expansion aligns with Novo Nordisk’s strategy to extend access to its diabetes portfolio across emerging markets, where treatment coverage remains limited and obesity-linked disorders are rising sharply.