Amino-acid substitution at position 8 prevents chemical breakdown by dipeptidyl peptidase-4. In addition, the lysine at position 26 is in its derivative form (acylated with stearic diacid). Acylation with a spacer and C-18 fatty diacid chain increases the drugs binding to blood protein (albumin), which enables longer presence in the blood circulation. History
Semaglutide was developed in 2012, by a team of researchers at Novo Nordisk as a longer-acting alternative to liraglutide as a once-weekly diabetes therapy. It was given the brand name Ozempic. Clinical trials were started on 6 January 2016, and completed on 19 May 2017.Researchers at the University of Leeds and Novo Nordisk reported in 2017, that it can also be used for the treatment of obesity. It reduces hunger, food craving and body fat. A phase 3 randomized controlled trial found that once-weekly injection of 2.4 mg of the drug resulted in an average change of −14.9% body weight at 68 weeks compared to −2.4% for the placebo.The US FDA New Drug Application (NDA) was filed in December 2016, and in October 2017, the FDA Advisory Committee approved it unanimously. It can be administered by injection or orally.
Semaglutide, sold under the brand names Wegovy and Ozempic among others, is an antidiabetic medication used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and long-term weight management.Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist, meaning that it mimics the action of the human incretin glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), thereby increasing insulin secretion and increasing blood sugar disposal and improving glycemic control. An injectable version (Ozempic) was approved for medical use in the United States in December 2017, and in the European Union, Canada, and Japan in 2018. A version which is taken by mouth (Rybelsus) was approved for medical use in the United States in September 2019, and in the European Union in April 2020. It is the first glucagon-like peptide receptor protein treatment approved for use in the United States that does not need to be injected. It was developed by Novo Nordisk. Side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and constipation.In June 2021, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved semaglutide injection sold under the brand name Wegovy for long-term weight management in adults. It was approved for medical use in the European Union in January 2022. Medical uses
Semaglutide is indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes.Semaglutide is also indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise for long-term weight management in adults with obesity (initial body mass index (BMI) ≥ 30 kg/m2) or overweight (initial BMI ≥ 27 kg/m2) with at least one weight-related comorbidity.