Semaglutide vs Ozempic vs Wegovy — The Difference, Plainly
Ozempic and Wegovy are licensed prescription medicines from Novo Nordisk. Their active ingredient is semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist peptide. Semaglutide on its own is simply the peptide — and in the form we supply it is lyophilised, research-grade laboratory material.
These are not alternatives to one another and we make no medical claims. For In Vitro Use Only — Not for Human Use.
Side-by-side comparison
| Ozempic / Wegovy | Research semaglutide | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Licensed medicines (brands) | The peptide, research grade |
| Active ingredient | Semaglutide | Semaglutide |
| Regulatory status | MHRA licensed, prescription only | Not a medicine — research chemical |
| Supplied as | Ready-to-use FlexTouch pen | Lyophilised vial, pen or cartridge |
| Preparation | None | Reconstituted with bacteriostatic water |
| Intended use | Prescribed human treatment | In vitro laboratory research only |
Ozempic vs Wegovy — both are semaglutide
Both brands contain the same peptide and both use the FlexTouch device; they differ in licensed indication and strength range. Because they are the same molecule, "semaglutide vs Ozempic" is really a question of format and regulatory status, not chemistry. Read more about the peptide itself on our semaglutide UK hub.
FlexTouch vs our V2 Quick Pen
FlexTouch is Novo Nordisk's registered pen device. Our V2 Quick Pen is a separate, unaffiliated research pen pre-filled with reconstituted research peptide and supplied with a clicks-per-mg card, so a lab can dial repeatable volumes without a syringe. It is not a FlexTouch and is not a licensed medical device. See Sema pens or how the V2 Quick Pen works.
Strengths, cost per mg and reconstitution
| Research vial | Price | Cost per mg | Bac water |
|---|---|---|---|
| Semaglutide 10mg | £49.99 | £5.00 | 1mL → 10mg/mL |
| Semaglutide 20mg | £72.99 | £3.65 | 2mL → 10mg/mL |
| Semaglutide 30mg | £109.99 | £3.67 | 3mL → 10mg/mL |
Full detail on the semaglutide vials hub, or work out any fill volume with the reconstitution calculator.
Important: this is not medical advice
Nothing here is medical advice or a suggestion that research peptide replace a prescribed medicine. Research material is not sterile-filled for human administration. For In Vitro Use Only — Not for Human Use. 18+ only. Ozempic, Wegovy and FlexTouch are trademarks of Novo Nordisk; we are not affiliated with, endorsed by or connected to Novo Nordisk.
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View full shopFrequently asked questions
Is semaglutide the same as Ozempic?
Ozempic is a licensed prescription medicine from Novo Nordisk whose active ingredient is semaglutide. Semaglutide on its own is the peptide. The research-grade semaglutide we supply is lyophilised laboratory peptide sold strictly for in vitro research — it is not Ozempic and not a medicine. For In Vitro Use Only — Not for Human Use.
What is the difference between Ozempic and Wegovy?
Both are Novo Nordisk licensed medicines containing semaglutide, supplied in FlexTouch pen devices; they are licensed for different indications and come in different strength ranges. Neither is the same thing as a research peptide vial.
What is a FlexTouch pen?
FlexTouch is Novo Nordisk's registered pen device used for Ozempic and Wegovy. Our V2 Quick Pen is a separate, unaffiliated research pen we pre-fill with reconstituted research peptide. It is not a FlexTouch, not a licensed device, and not for human use.
Can I use research semaglutide instead of Ozempic or Wegovy?
No. Research peptides are for in vitro laboratory research only. They are not licensed medicines, are not sterile-filled for human administration, and must never be used in humans or animals. Speak to a UK-registered prescriber if you are seeking treatment.
Is research semaglutide cheaper?
Cost per mg is much lower — our 30mg vial at £109.99 is about £3.67 per mg. But it is not a like-for-like comparison: licensed medicines carry pharmacy oversight, sterile manufacture and a prescription pathway that research material does not.
What semaglutide strengths do you stock?
Research vials at 10mg (£49.99), 20mg (£72.99) and 30mg (£109.99), each available as a vial, pre-filled V2 Quick Pen or cartridge via the Format selector.
How do you reconstitute a semaglutide vial?
As a rule of thumb use 1mL of bacteriostatic water per 10mg, giving a 10mg/mL solution. Add the water slowly down the inside wall of the vial and swirl gently until clear — never shake. Our free calculator handles any other fill volume.
Is semaglutide legal to buy in the UK?
Yes, for laboratory research purposes. It is not a licensed medicine in the form we supply and carries no medical claims. You must be 18 or over to order.
Disclaimer: All products sold by Peptides UK 4U are for laboratory and research purposes only. They are not intended for human or animal consumption, diagnosis, treatment or prevention of any disease.