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Sémaglutide

Semaglutide is a medication that belongs to the class of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, which are also known as incretin mimetics. Here are the key points about semaglutide:

Uses

Type 2 Diabetes: Semaglutide is used to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes, often in conjunction with diet and exercise. It helps lower blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events in patients with established cardiovascular disease1 2 4.
Weight Loss and Management: Under the brand name Wegovy, semaglutide is approved for chronic weight management in adults with obesity or overweight who have at least one weight-related condition. It is also approved for use in adolescents aged 12 and older with obesity1 2 4.
Cardiovascular Risk Reduction: Semaglutide reduces the risk of major cardiovascular events such as heart attacks, strokes, and death due to cardiovascular disease in adults with type 2 diabetes and established cardiovascular disease. It also reduces the risk of kidney function decline and kidney failure in these patients1 2 4.

Brand Names

Ozempic: Used for treating type 2 diabetes and reducing cardiovascular risk.
Wegovy: Used for weight loss and weight management.
Rybelsus: Used for treating type 2 diabetes, available in oral tablet form1 2 4.

Dosage Forms

Subcutaneous Injection: Ozempic and Wegovy are administered via a weekly subcutaneous injection.
Oral Tablet: Rybelsus is taken daily1 2 4.

Mechanism of Action

Semaglutide works by mimicking the natural hormone GLP-1, which stimulates insulin production from the pancreas, reduces liver sugar production, slows down digestion, and helps control appetite and food intake. This leads to lower blood sugar levels, reduced food intake, and subsequent weight loss1 2 4.

Side Effects

Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and constipation2.

Clinical Trials and Approvals

Semaglutide was first approved by the FDA in December 2017 for the treatment of type 2 diabetes under the brand name Ozempic. It was later approved for weight management in 2021 under the brand name Wegovy. The oral formulation, Rybelsus, was approved in September 20191 2 4.

Pharmacology

Semaglutide has a long elimination half-life of about 7 days, allowing for once-weekly dosing for the injectable forms. The oral formulation is taken daily. It is chemically modified to prevent breakdown by dipeptidyl peptidase-4 and to increase its binding to blood proteins, which extends its duration of action2 4.

Overall, semaglutide is a versatile medication that offers significant benefits in managing type 2 diabetes, reducing cardiovascular risk, and aiding in weight loss and management.