Semaglutide

Semaglutide is a long-acting synthetic analogue of the human incretin hormone Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). It is an FDA-approved medication widely used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and chronic weight management.

Its mechanism of action involves functioning as a potent agonist for the GLP-1 receptor. By mimicking the effects of endogenous GLP-1, Semaglutide enhances glucose-dependent insulin secretion, suppresses glucagon release, slows gastric emptying, and acts on the central nervous system to reduce appetite and promote satiety. Its long duration of action is achieved through specific structural modifications that prevent its rapid degradation by the DPP-4 enzyme and allow it to bind to albumin in the bloodstream. This results in a half-life of approximately one week, permitting once-weekly administration.

Semaglutide is marketed by Novo Nordisk under several brand names, including the injectable forms Ozempic® for type 2 diabetes and Wegovy® for chronic weight management, as well as the oral tablet formulation Rybelsus® for type 2 diabetes. It serves as a benchmark single-agonist therapy in the field of metabolic medicine.