Semaglutide

Semaglutide Latest News

A recent international, multicentre clinical study has found that semaglutide, a medication primarily used to treat type 2 diabetes and obesity, can reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events by 14%.

What is Semaglutide?

• Semaglutide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA).
• It mimics GLP-1, a natural hormone that helps regulate blood sugar and appetite.
• It is used to:
  • Treat type 2 diabetes by enhancing insulin secretion and lowering blood sugar levels.
  • Aid weight loss in overweight or obese individuals, along with proper diet and exercise.
• It is available in two forms: injectable and oral tablets. The SOUL trial specifically tested the oral version, known as Rybelsus (by Novo Nordisk).

Key Findings from the SOUL Trial

• The SOUL trial, launched in 2019, was a phase three, double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled study designed to assess whether oral semaglutide can lower the incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in people with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) who also suffer from cardiovascular disease (CVD) or chronic kidney disease (CKD).
• The study enrolled 9,650 participants worldwide, including 788 individuals across 32 centres in India, making it a significant part of global research efforts.
• The primary composite endpoint of the trial was a reduction in cardiovascular death, non-fatal heart attacks (myocardial infarction), and non-fatal strokes.
• The results revealed a statistically significant 14% reduction in the risk of such cardiovascular events in patients using oral semaglutide as compared to those receiving a placebo alongside standard care.

Semaglutide FAQs

Q1. What is Semaglutide?
Ans. Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist used to treat type 2 diabetes and obesity by regulating blood sugar and appetite.

Q2. Which company developed Semaglutide?
Ans. It was developed by the Danish pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk.

Q3. How is Semaglutide administered?
Ans: It is administered either via injection (weekly) or as an oral tablet.

Q4: Why has Semaglutide gained global attention recently?
Ans: Due to its weight-loss effects, it became popular under brand names like Ozempic and Wegovy, especially in the US.

Source: TH