In AP Style, abbreviations for medical terms and brand names follow specific rules. “GLP-1” is written with a hyphen and spelled out on first reference. Trademark symbols like ® and ™ are never used. Instead, brand names like Ozempic and Wegovy are simply capitalized.
GLP-1, Ozempic, and Wegovy are all related to a class of drugs used for diabetes and weight loss. GLP-1 weightloss is the abbreviation for glucagon-like peptide-1. Ozempic and Wegovy are brand names for the same generic drug, semaglutide. AP Style has clear rules for how to write all of them correctly.
Use of GLP-1 (Abbreviation)
The abbreviation GLP-1 stands for glucagon-like peptide-1, which is a hormone that regulates appetite and blood sugar. If you are referring to GLP-1 for the first time in an article, you should write the full term followed by the abbreviation in parentheses. After that, you can use GLP-1 alone. The hyphen between the letter and the number is required.
For example,
- The drug mimics glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) , which helps control hunger signals. (First reference – full term + abbreviation)
- Studies show that GLP-1 agonists can lead to 15% body weight loss. (Later reference – abbreviation only)
- Doctors have prescribed GLP-1 medications to millions of patients. (Used as an adjective)
- Natural GLP-1 levels rise after eating a meal. (Correct hyphen placement)
Use of Ozempic and Wegovy (Brand Names)
The brand names Ozempic and Wegovy refer to the same generic drug, semaglutide. Ozempic is typically prescribed for Type 2 diabetes, while Wegovy is approved for weight management. In AP Style, you should never use the trademark symbols ® or ™. Simply capitalize the brand name as you would any proper noun. Do not add any symbols before or after the name.
For example,
- She was prescribed Ozempic for her diabetes, not Ozempic®. (Symbol removed)
- Wegovy received FDA approval for chronic weight management in 2021. (Capitalized, no ™ symbol)
- Many patients ask for Mounjaro by name as an alternative to Ozempic. (All brand names follow same rule)
- The insurance company does not cover Wegovy but covers the generic version, semaglutide. (Brand name capitalized, generic lowercase)
Notes:
- It is assumed that GLP-1 refers to the hormone class unless otherwise specified. You do not need to spell it out again after the first reference in the same article.
- You cannot write “GLP1” without a hyphen. AP Style requires the hyphen between the letter and the number.
- However, for brand names, never add a hyphen or symbol. Write “Ozempic” not “Ozempic®” or “Ozempic-1.”
When to Omit Trademark Symbols in AP Style
Trademark symbols (® for registered trademark, ™ for unregistered trademark claim) can often be omitted entirely in AP Style writing. Instead of writing “Ozempic®” as the drug company does on its website, you simply write “Ozempic.” The symbol is unnecessary because the capitalization of the brand name makes it clear you are referring to a specific product.
Similarly, for the abbreviation GLP-1, the hyphen is never omitted. But the full expansion “glucagon-like peptide-1” is only needed once. After that, “GLP-1” alone is acceptable, as the context is clear.
For example,
- Correct (AP Style): She started taking Wegovy last month.
- Incorrect (Brand’s style): She started taking Wegovy™ last month.
- Correct (AP Style): GLP-1 medications have changed obesity treatment.
- Incorrect: GLP1 medications have changed obesity treatment. (Missing hyphen)
Alternative Terms for GLP-1 Drugs in Modern Writing
In recent years, the use of “GLP-1 receptor agonist” has become more common in medical writing. This term refers to the same class of drugs. Additionally, new brand names like Zepbound and Mounjaro (for tirzepatide, a dual GLP-1/GIP agonist) have entered the market. These are also written in AP Style without symbols.
While drug companies prefer to display ® and ™ symbols for legal protection, AP Style completely ignores them. Follow AP Style guidelines for any publication that values clean, readable news writing. If you are writing for a scientific journal, check their specific rules. For general websites and blogs that follow AP Style, drop the symbols and keep the hyphen in GLP-1.
Check Out: How Do We Use Abbreviations and Acronyms in AP Style? (on HeadsUpEnglish)
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One of the most common mistakes when writing about these drugs is using the trademark symbol. Remember, AP Style never uses ® or ™. Just write “Ozempic” and “Wegovy” with capital letters only.
Another common error is writing “GLP1” without a hyphen or “GLP 1” with a space. The correct form is GLP-1 with a hyphen between the letter P and the number 1.
A third mistake is forgetting to spell out the full term on first reference. AP Style requires you to write “glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1)” the first time you mention it. After that, “GLP-1” is fine.
Additionally, avoid redundant phrases like “GLP-1 hormone” (since GLP-1 already stands for glucagon-like peptide-1, which is a hormone). Just write “GLP-1” alone. Always ensure correct usage for clarity.
For example,
- Incorrect: GLP-1 hormone helps control blood sugar. *(Redundant – GLP-1 already implies a hormone)*
- Correct: GLP-1 helps control blood sugar.
- Incorrect: She uses Ozempic® every week. (Symbol not allowed)
- Correct: She uses Ozempic every week.
- Incorrect: GLP1 medications are popular. (Missing hyphen)
- Correct: GLP-1 medications are popular.
What Did We Learn?
According to AP Style, “GLP-1” (glucagon-like peptide-1) is written with a hyphen and spelled out on first reference. For brand names like Ozempic and Wegovy, we never use ® or ™ symbols – just capitalize the name. We also discovered that the hyphen in GLP-1 is never omitted, and the full expansion is only required once per article.