Abstract
Semaglutide is the agonist of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor with more than 90 % homology with human GLP-1. Owing to its structure and binding to albumin semaglutide has a sufficiently long half-life to enable its administration in once-weekly subcutaneous injection.
Phase 3 studies have demonstrated excellent efficacy of semaglutide in improving glucose control in patients with type 2 diabetes along with marked body weight reductions. The efficacy of semaglutide in improving glucose control and reducing body weight was superior to other GLP-1 receptor agonists, gliflozins, gliptins and insulin glargine.
A prospective cardiovascular outcome trial in patients with type 2 diabetes with a history of cardiovascular event or at high cardiovascular risk has demonstrated that semaglutide administration decreased the risk of cardiovascular events as compared to placebo. The most common side effects of semaglutide are, similarly to other GLP-1 receptor agonists, gastrointestinal.
Its characteristics and frequency do not differ from other GLP-1 receptor agonists. Semaglutide shall be soon introduced to the market in the Czech Republic.
In addition to injectable form, an oral formulation of semaglutide administered once daily is in the advanced stage of clinical development.