Semaglutide

What Is Semaglutide?

Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist developed by Novo Nordisk. FDA-approved as Ozempic (T2D) and Wegovy (obesity). Its C18 fatty diacid chain enables albumin binding, extending half-life to ~7 days for weekly dosing. The SELECT cardiovascular outcomes trial (2023) demonstrated 20% reduction in MACE events in non-diabetic obese adults.

Key Mechanisms

• GLP-1R agonism — hypothalamic appetite suppression (NPY/AgRP inhibition)
• Gastric emptying delay — prolonged satiety duration
• Glucose-dependent insulin secretion — pancreatic β-cell activation
• Cardiovascular protection — reduces inflammation, improves endothelial function

Key References

1. Wilding JPH et al. “Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity.” N Engl J Med, 2021;384:989–1002.
2. Lincoff AM et al. “Semaglutide and cardiovascular outcomes in obesity (SELECT).” N Engl J Med, 2023;389:2221–2232.