Semaglutide
GLP-1 receptor agonist used for type 2 diabetes and weight management.
Regulatory status
FDA approved. Application NDA208387. Boxed warning: Yes.
- Approval date: 2017-12-05
- FDA application: NDA208387
- Boxed warning: Yes
Evidence
Supported by 42 clinical studies.
- Semaglutide 2.4 mg once weekly for weight management in adults with overweight or obesity: a meta-analysis.
Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol · 2021-03-15
Meta-analysis showed significant weight reduction vs placebo.
Classification
GLP-1 receptor agonist
Pharmacokinetics
- Half-life: 7.0 days
- Bioavailability: 89%
- Metabolism: proteolytic degradation
- Blood-brain barrier: minimal
Mechanism
Semaglutide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist that increases insulin secretion, decreases glucagon secretion, and slows gastric emptying.
Approved indications
- type 2 diabetes
- chronic weight management
Uses
Used to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus; also indicated for chronic weight management in adults with obesity or overweight with at least one weight-related comorbidity.
Chemistry
- Molecular weight: 4113.6 Da
- Formula: C187H291N45O59
Adverse effects (frequency)
- nausea: common
- vomiting: common
- pancreatitis: rare
Safety
Contraindicated in personal or family history of MTC or in patients with MEN 2. Risk of thyroid C-cell tumors. Pancreatitis, diabetic retinopathy, and acute kidney injury have been reported.