From the Guidelines
Ozempic (semaglutide) is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist used for the management of obesity and type 2 diabetes.
Key Characteristics of Semaglutide
- It is administered via subcutaneous injection once weekly
- It works by mimicking the effects of GLP-1, suppressing appetite, delaying gastric emptying, increasing glucose-dependent insulin release, and decreasing glucagon secretion
- The FDA approved semaglutide for the treatment of obesity in 2021, and it is dosed at higher levels than for type 2 diabetes management
Efficacy and Safety
- Clinical trials, such as the STEP trials, have shown that semaglutide leads to significant weight loss, with a mean weight loss of 14.9% to 16.0% at 68 weeks, compared to 2.4% to 5.7% with placebo 1
- Semaglutide has also been shown to reduce the risk of cardiovascular events, including cardiovascular death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, or nonfatal stroke, in patients with overweight or obesity without diabetes 1
- The SELECT trial demonstrated a lower composite incidence of death due to cardiovascular events, nonfatal myocardial infarction, or nonfatal stroke in patients with pre-existing cardiovascular disease who were overweight or obese, but without diabetes, treated with weekly subcutaneous semaglutide 1
Comparison to Other GLP-1 Receptor Agonists
- Semaglutide has been compared to liraglutide, another GLP-1 receptor agonist, and has been shown to have a greater magnitude of weight loss and improved weight-related comorbidities, with lower rates of gastrointestinal adverse events 1
- The choice between semaglutide and liraglutide may depend on individual patient factors, such as cost, availability, and preference for daily versus weekly administration 1
From the FDA Drug Label
OZEMPIC (semaglutide) injection, for subcutaneous use, contains semaglutide, a human GLP-1 receptor agonist (or GLP-1 analog).
Ozempic (semaglutide) is a human GLP-1 receptor agonist or GLP-1 analog. It is administered via subcutaneous injection and is used to treat type 2 diabetes. The main mechanism of action is to stimulate insulin secretion and lower glucagon secretion in a glucose-dependent manner 2.
From the Research
What is Ozempic (Semaglutide)?
- Ozempic, also known as semaglutide, is a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist used to treat type 2 diabetes 3, 4, 5.
- It is manufactured by Novo Nordisk and is available in subcutaneous and oral formulations 4.
- Semaglutide is also used for weight loss, with studies showing a loss of almost 12% of body weight over a 68-week period 6.
- It is sold under the brand names Ozempic, Rybelsus, and Wegovy, with Ozempic being used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and Wegovy being used for the treatment of obesity 3, 6.
Mechanism of Action
- Semaglutide works by activating glucagon-like peptide-1 receptors, which helps to improve glycemic control and promote weight loss 4, 5.
- It has been shown to have a beneficial effect on cardiovascular outcomes and has a low risk of severe adverse events 4, 7.
Safety and Efficacy
- Studies have shown that semaglutide is effective in reducing HbA1c levels and promoting weight loss in patients with type 2 diabetes 4, 7, 5.
- Common adverse events associated with semaglutide include gastrointestinal disorders, such as nausea and diarrhea 4, 7, 6.
- Serious adverse events, such as pancreatitis and diabetic retinopathy, have also been reported, but are rare 4, 6.
Indications and Usage
- Semaglutide is indicated for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and obesity, and is available in various formulations, including prefilled pens for subcutaneous injection and oral tablets 3, 5, 6.
- It is recommended to be used in conjunction with diet and exercise, and has been shown to be effective in patients with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 kg/m² or higher 5, 6.