Semaglutide

Semaglutide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist originally developed by Novo Nordisk for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. It mimics the incretin hormone GLP-1, which is released after eating and stimulates insulin secretion while suppressing glucagon release. Semaglutide has a modified structure that gives it a significantly longer half-life compared to native GLP-1, allowing for once-weekly injection or daily oral dosing.

The peptide gained widespread public attention following the publication of the STEP (Semaglutide Treatment Effect in People with Obesity) clinical trial series. These landmark trials demonstrated that semaglutide 2.4 mg weekly led to average weight loss of approximately 15-17% of body weight in participants without diabetes, making it one of the most effective anti-obesity medications ever developed. The drug works by reducing appetite and food intake through both peripheral and central nervous system mechanisms, including direct effects on brain regions that regulate hunger and satiety.

Beyond weight loss, semaglutide has shown cardiovascular benefits. The SELECT trial demonstrated a 20% reduction in major adverse cardiovascular events (heart attack, stroke, or cardiovascular death) in overweight or obese adults with established cardiovascular disease. Additional research is exploring potential benefits in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, and even neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's.

Semaglutide is available in injectable form as Ozempic (for type 2 diabetes) and Wegovy (for chronic weight management), as well as an oral tablet form called Rybelsus. Its commercial success has been extraordinary, with Ozempic and Wegovy becoming some of the best-selling drugs in pharmaceutical history and sparking a broader cultural conversation about obesity treatment.