Mounjaro vs Ozempic in Australia: Compared
A neutral look at how tirzepatide (Mounjaro) and semaglutide (Ozempic) differ by mechanism, and how each sits within Australian regulation including ARTG registration, Schedule 4 and the PBS. General information only, not legal or medical advice.
The short answer
Mounjaro and Ozempic are two different prescription medicines registered in Australia. Mounjaro is the brand name for tirzepatide, made by Eli Lilly, and it acts on two receptors (GIP and GLP-1). Ozempic is the brand name for semaglutide, made by Novo Nordisk, and it acts on a single receptor (GLP-1). Both are included on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG) and both are Schedule 4 (prescription only) medicines. Their Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) status differs: Ozempic is PBS-listed for type 2 diabetes under specific clinical criteria, while Mounjaro is not currently PBS-listed and is supplied on private prescription.
This page provides general information about the regulatory status and pharmacology of these medicines, current as at 18 October 2026. It is not medical, legal or prescribing advice. Mounjaro and Ozempic are prescription only medicines; decisions about any medicine should be made by a qualified health practitioner.
What each product is
Mounjaro contains the active ingredient tirzepatide and is sponsored in Australia by Eli Lilly. Ozempic contains the active ingredient semaglutide and is sponsored by Novo Nordisk. Although both belong to the broad family of incretin-based medicines, they are distinct molecules with distinct brand owners and distinct registered indications.
It is worth separating the brands carefully, because semaglutide is marketed under more than one brand. Ozempic is the semaglutide brand associated with type 2 diabetes in Australia, while Wegovy is a separate semaglutide brand registered for chronic weight management. Mounjaro is the only tirzepatide brand discussed here. Confusing these brands and their indications is a common source of error in general discussion.
At a glance
- Mounjaro: active ingredient tirzepatide, sponsor Eli Lilly, dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist.
- Ozempic: active ingredient semaglutide, sponsor Novo Nordisk, single GLP-1 receptor agonist.
- Wegovy: a separate semaglutide brand, registered for chronic weight management, not the same product as Ozempic.
How the mechanisms differ
The clearest scientific difference between the two is the number of receptors each molecule targets. Semaglutide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. It is designed to act on the GLP-1 receptor, part of the body's incretin signalling system that is involved in glucose regulation.
Tirzepatide is described as a dual agonist. It is designed to act on two receptors: the glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptor as well as the GLP-1 receptor. Because it engages both pathways, tirzepatide is sometimes referred to as a dual incretin or twincretin molecule, whereas semaglutide engages a single incretin pathway.
In simple terms: Ozempic (semaglutide) is a single incretin agonist (GLP-1), while Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a dual incretin agonist (GIP plus GLP-1). That receptor difference is the headline distinction between the two molecules.
ARTG registration and scheduling
Both medicines are entered on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods, which is the TGA register of therapeutic goods that may be lawfully supplied in Australia. Registration on the ARTG is specific to the product, its sponsor and its approved indications.
Both are also Schedule 4 substances under the Poisons Standard, meaning they are prescription only medicines. A Schedule 4 classification means the medicine can only be supplied against a valid prescription from an authorised health practitioner. This is a regulatory fact about access, not a comment on how either medicine should be used.
NovaPeptides supplies materials for laboratory and research use only. Nothing on this page is an offer to supply, or guidance on using, a prescription medicine such as Mounjaro or Ozempic. Those are regulated therapeutic goods available only through the Australian prescription system.
Registered indications in Australia
Ozempic is registered in Australia for the treatment of type 2 diabetes in adults. Its registered indication sits within diabetes management rather than weight management. The separate brand Wegovy carries the semaglutide registration associated with chronic weight management in adults.
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is registered in Australia for type 2 diabetes, and its registration was later extended to include chronic weight management in adults within defined eligibility criteria. The exact wording of any indication, including body mass index thresholds and related conditions, is set out in the approved product information and may be updated over time, so the current product information and TGA records are the authoritative sources.
The registered indication matters because it describes the use for which a medicine was assessed and approved. Any use outside the registered indication is a clinical decision that falls to a prescriber and is beyond the scope of this general information page.
PBS status and the supply context
The Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme subsidises the cost of listed medicines for eligible patients. PBS status is separate from ARTG registration: a medicine can be registered and lawfully supplied yet not be subsidised on the PBS.
Ozempic is PBS-listed for type 2 diabetes under specific clinical eligibility criteria. It is not PBS-subsidised purely for weight loss. Ozempic has also been the subject of well-documented supply pressure in Australia linked to strong off-label demand, and regulators and prescribing bodies have issued guidance encouraging that available supply be prioritised for people with type 2 diabetes. This context is noted here neutrally as part of the regulatory picture.
Mounjaro's PBS position has been more nuanced. Following consideration by the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee, reporting in 2026 indicated that a PBS subsidy did not proceed on the terms on offer, with the sponsor and government not reaching agreement on listing conditions. As a result, as at the date of this page, Mounjaro is not PBS-listed and is supplied on private prescription, meaning the patient meets the full cost. PBS arrangements can change, so the PBS website and the sponsor remain the authoritative current sources.
Pulling it together
On the science, the two differ most clearly in mechanism: tirzepatide is a dual GIP and GLP-1 agonist, while semaglutide acts on GLP-1 alone. On regulation, both are ARTG-registered Schedule 4 prescription medicines, but they diverge on subsidy: Ozempic is PBS-listed for type 2 diabetes under criteria, whereas Mounjaro is currently private prescription only.
Beyond those factual points, questions of suitability, comparative effectiveness and any use of either medicine are matters for a qualified prescriber working from current product information and the latest TGA and PBS records. This page is intended only to lay out the neutral regulatory and pharmacological facts, not to recommend one product over another.
Frequently asked questions
Is Mounjaro the same as Ozempic?+
No. Mounjaro is the brand name for tirzepatide (made by Eli Lilly) and Ozempic is the brand name for semaglutide (made by Novo Nordisk). They are different active ingredients with different mechanisms and different brand owners.
What is the main difference in how they work?+
Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) is a dual agonist that targets both the GIP and GLP-1 receptors, while semaglutide (Ozempic) is a single GLP-1 receptor agonist. The number of receptors engaged is the headline pharmacological difference.
Are both registered in Australia?+
Yes. Both Mounjaro and Ozempic are entered on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods and both are Schedule 4 (prescription only) medicines. Registered indications and product information are the authoritative source for each product's approved use.
Is Ozempic on the PBS?+
Ozempic is PBS-listed for type 2 diabetes under specific clinical eligibility criteria. It is not PBS-subsidised purely for weight loss. The PBS website is the authoritative source for current listing details.
Is Mounjaro on the PBS in Australia?+
As at the date of this page, Mounjaro is not PBS-listed and is supplied on private prescription. Reporting in 2026 indicated a PBS subsidy did not proceed on the terms on offer. PBS arrangements can change, so check the PBS website for the current position.
Is Wegovy the same as Ozempic?+
No. Both contain semaglutide, but Ozempic is the brand associated with type 2 diabetes in Australia, while Wegovy is a separate brand registered for chronic weight management. They are distinct registered products.
Can I buy these from a research supplier?+
No. Mounjaro and Ozempic are prescription only therapeutic goods available through the Australian prescription system. NovaPeptides supplies materials for laboratory and research use only and does not supply prescription medicines.
Questions? Talk to us.
Message us on WhatsApp and we will walk you through the kits, the COAs, reconstitution and the dose tool.
Chat with us on WhatsApp