Key takeaways
Setmelanotide (Imcivree) and semaglutide (Wegovy) are both medications used for weight management, but they belong to different drug classes and have distinct uses. Setmelanotide is a melanocortin agonist specifically approved for obesity due to rare genetic conditions like POMC, PCSK1, or LEPR deficiency, and Bardet-Biedl syndrome (BBS). In contrast, semaglutide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist used for general weight management in adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 kg/m² or higher, or 27 kg/m² with a weight-related condition, and in children 12 and older with a high BMI. Setmelanotide is injected daily, while semaglutide is injected weekly. Both medications can cause nausea and stomach pain, but setmelanotide may also lead to mood changes and skin darkening, whereas semaglutide can increase the risk of thyroid cancer and gallbladder issues. Setmelanotide and semaglutide are only available as brand-name medications. Semaglutide is also available under the brand names Ozempic and Rybelsus for treating Type 2 diabetes.
