Semaglutide

What is Semaglutide and How Does It Work?

Semaglutide: A Revolutionary Medication for Diabetes and Weight Management. Imagine a drug that not only helps control blood sugar levels but also aids in weight loss. That’s what semaglutide, an antidiabetic medication used to treat type 2 diabetes and obesity, is all about.

Developed by Novo Nordisk, this innovative drug mimics the hormone GLP-1 (Glucagon-like Peptide-1) to decrease blood sugar levels and enhance insulin production. It’s like giving your body a natural boost to manage its glucose levels more efficiently.

The Journey of Semaglutide

Back in the 1970s, researchers Jens Juul Holst and Joel Habener made groundbreaking discoveries about GLP-1. Fast forward to 1993, when Michael Nauck infused GLP-1 into people with type 2 diabetes, but it caused significant side effects. This led to the development of liraglutide in 1998, which eventually paved the way for semaglutide.

From June 2008 to May 2017, clinical trials for semaglutide were conducted, involving thousands of participants with type 2 diabetes. The FDA approved it based on these trials, marking a significant milestone in diabetes treatment and weight management.

Weight Loss and Beyond

Semaglutide has shown remarkable promise beyond just managing blood sugar levels. It’s been proven to be significantly more effective than previous anti-obesity drugs but less effective than bariatric surgery. Patients often regain two-thirds of their weight loss after stopping the medication, making it a valuable tool for long-term weight management.

But that’s not all! Semaglutide has also shown potential in reducing cardiovascular risks. The FDA expanded its indication to reduce the risk of cardiovascular death, heart attacks, and strokes in adults with cardiovascular disease and obesity or overweight. It reduced this risk by 14% compared to a placebo.

Moreover, semaglutide’s benefits extend beyond metabolic and cardiovascular health. Studies suggest it may help lower the risk of Alzheimer’s disease among patients with type 2 diabetes. Additionally, it can reduce asthma attacks by up to 70%, making it a versatile treatment option for various conditions.

Alcohol Addiction and Beyond

Interestingly, semaglutide has shown promise in treating alcohol addiction. Patients using this medication had a lower risk of alcohol-related hospitalizations compared to those not taking the drug. This is particularly significant given that alcohol use disorder often coexists with type 2 diabetes.

Furthermore, semaglutide may be effective in treating binge eating disorder (BED) and reducing obsessive thoughts about food. These findings highlight its potential as a multifaceted treatment option for various health issues.

The Market and Beyond

Semaglutide’s market presence is impressive. The US FDA approved it for diabetes treatment in December 2017 and for obesity in January 2021. Initially, the injectable version was approved under the brand name Ozempic, while a new oral version called Rybelsus followed later. A higher-dose version of Wegovy was also approved in June 2021.

Novo Nordisk has been at the forefront of this development, running production facilities 24/7 and hiring over 10,000 new employees to meet demand. The company’s budget for expanding facilities reached $6 billion, making it the most valuable EU corporation by 2023, worth over US$500 billion.

However, high costs have led to supply shortages worldwide in 2023, with new prescriptions not issued during the shortage in the UK. Grey market sellers offer unauthorized semaglutide products online, which is legal as long as marketing is for ‘research purposes only.’ Some buyers turn to these retailers due to insurance denials and affordability issues.

Counterfeits and Compounded Versions

Counterfeit versions of Ozempic pens have been sold in Europe, containing insulin instead. This led to hospitalizations with hypoglycemia and seizures. The FDA issued a warning about counterfeit Ozempic in the US in December 2023.

Compounded versions of semaglutide also pose risks as they contain salts not evaluated for safety or effectiveness by the FDA. These unauthorized products can be dangerous, highlighting the importance of using only approved medications.

The Future of Semaglutide

Semaglutide’s patent is expected to expire in the US no earlier than December 2031. With its list price of $936 in the US and $87 in Australia, high costs have led to supply shortages worldwide. Novo Nordisk has taken significant steps to address this issue, but affordability remains a challenge for many.

Despite these challenges, semaglutide continues to show promise as a versatile treatment option. Its ability to manage diabetes, aid in weight loss, and potentially reduce the risk of various health issues makes it a valuable tool in modern medicine.

In conclusion, semaglutide is a groundbreaking medication that offers hope for those dealing with type 2 diabetes and obesity. Its multifaceted benefits make it a valuable tool in managing various health issues. As research continues, we can only imagine the potential this drug holds for the future of medicine.