Semaglutide

Product Name: Semaglutide

Also known as: Rybelsus®, Ozempic®, Wegovy®, NN9535, OG217SC

CAS No. : 910463-68-2

Molecular Formula: C₁₈₇H₂₉₁N₄₅O₅₉ Molecular Weight: 4113.58

Product Overview

Semaglutide is a synthetic glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) analog and GLP-1 receptor agonist. It shares 94% sequence homology with human natural GLP-1. With an approximate half-life of one week, it is suitable for once-weekly subcutaneous administration. Available in both injectable and oral tablet formulations.

Mechanism of Action

Semaglutide selectively binds to and activates GLP-1 receptors, mimicking the physiological functions of the natural GLP-1 hormone. Its primary actions include:

• Stimulating insulin secretion in a glucose-dependent manner

• Suppressing glucagon secretion to reduce hepatic glucose output

• Delaying gastric emptying to prolong postprandial satiety

• Reducing appetite by acting on brain regions that regulate hunger

Indications

Indications vary by country and regulatory approval:

For Type 2 Diabetes (Ozempic®):

• As an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus

• To reduce the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events in adults with type 2 diabetes and established cardiovascular disease

For Weight Management (Wegovy®):

• Adults with initial BMI ≥30 kg/m² (obesity)

• Adults with initial BMI ≥27 kg/m² and at least one weight-related comorbidity (e.g., hypertension, type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia, obstructive sleep apnea)

Clinical Efficacy

• Weight Loss: The STEP clinical trial program demonstrated significant weight reduction with semaglutide 2.4 mg once weekly. Oral tablet achieved an average weight loss of 16.6%

• Long-term Maintenance: In the 208-week SELECT trial, the semaglutide group showed a mean weight reduction of 10.2%

• Cardiovascular Benefits: Reduces the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events in adults with type 2 diabetes

Dosage and Administration

Injection (Subcutaneous) :

• Starting dose: 0.25 mg once weekly for 4 weeks

• Dose escalation: Increase every 4 weeks

• Maintenance dose for diabetes: 0.5 mg, 1 mg, or 2 mg once weekly

• Maintenance dose for weight loss: 1.7 mg or 2.4 mg once weekly

• Injection sites: Abdomen, thigh, or upper arm

Oral Tablets:

• Starting dose: 3 mg once daily (weight loss version: 1.5 mg once daily)

• Maintenance dose: 7 mg or 14 mg once daily

Dosage should be determined by a healthcare professional. Do not adjust without medical supervision.

Common Side Effects

Very Common (>10%) :

• Nausea, diarrhea, vomiting

Common (1%-10%) :

• Abdominal pain, constipation

Precautions:

• Gastrointestinal symptoms are most common during initial treatment and usually diminish over time

• Contraindicated in patients with personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC)

• Contraindicated in patients with acute pancreatitis

• Contraindicated during pregnancy and lactation

Storage Conditions

Injection (unopened) : Store at 2°C-8°C (refrigerated). Do not freeze
Injection (after first use) : Store below 30°C or refrigerated at 2°C-8°C for up to 6 weeks
Oral tablets: Store at 20°C-25°C