Semaglutide

Semaglutide is an anti-diabetic medication used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, and an anti-obesity medication used for weight management.[25] It can be administered by subcutaneous injection or taken orally[13][14][15][26] . It is sold as a generic drug by several drug companies in the Indian and Canadian markets, and worldwide by its originator, Novo Nordisk, under the brand names Ozempic and Rybelsus for diabetes;[13][14] under the brand name Wegovy for weight management;[15] and under the brand names Wegovy and Kayshild for the treatment of metabolic-associated steatohepatitis (nonalcoholic steatohepatitis) and liver cirrhosis.[15][19][27] Wegovy is also used to reduce the risk of heart attacks.[15]

Semaglutide is a peptide similar to the hormone glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), modified with a side chain, and acts as a GLP-1 receptor agonist.[28][29] The most common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and constipation.[13][16][17][18]

Semaglutide was approved for medical use in the United States in 2017,[13][30] in Canada,[31] the European Union[16] and Japan in 2018,[32] and in Australia in 2019.[1] In 2023, it was the nineteenth most commonly prescribed medication in the United States, with more than 25 million prescriptions.[33][34] It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines.[35]