Monthly injectable semaglutide is in late-stage trials

One of the practical friction points of weekly injectable GLP-1s is the injections themselves, not for everyone, but for a meaningful percentage of people, weekly administration is a real adherence barrier. Missed doses, injection anxiety, travel complications, and simple fatigue with the routine all contribute to discontinuation.

Novo Nordisk is currently in phase 3 trials for a monthly subcutaneous semaglutide formulation (icodec was already approved as weekly basal insulin, a monthly GLP-1 would follow similar logic using extended-release depot technology).

Phase 2 data published in NEJM Evidence showed the monthly formulation achieved weight loss outcomes within roughly 2–3% of the weekly formulation, not identical but meaningfully close, and potentially acceptable for a large portion of patients who'd benefit from less frequent dosing.