Subcutaneous semaglutide (NN9535) for the treatment of type 2 diabetes

ABSTRACT

Introduction: It is critical for individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) to maintain optimal glycemia while avoiding hypoglycemia, control body weight, and reduce cardiovascular risk. The GLP-1 receptor agonists stimulate glucose-dependent insulin release (low risk of hypoglycemia), inhibit glucagon secretion, slow gastric emptying and suppress appetite (weight loss). The new members of the class are available as once daily or weekly injections. Additionally, some members of the class have demonstrated reduced cardiovascular risk.

Areas covered: This manuscript describes semaglutide – a new investigational long acting GLP-1 receptor agonist. The key trials from the clinical development process are reviewed and important end-points highlighted.

Expert opinion: Once-weekly semaglutide has shown superiority in reducing glycosylated hemoglobin and body weight in comparison with placebo and active comparators when used as monotherapy or in combination treatment. In addition, semaglutide improved markers of β-cell function and have shown cardiovascular risk reduction similar to once daily liraglutide. Although, overall semaglutide safety was comparable to other GLP-1 receptor agonists (low risk of hypoglycemia and high frequency of gastrointestinal side effects), increase in retinopathy complications requires further investigation.

KEYWORDS:

• Diabetes
• GLP-1
• semaglutide
• anti-hyperglycemic
• glucose

Box 1. Drug summary.

Table

Declaration of interest

The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties. Peer reviewers on this manuscript have no relevant financial or other relationships to disclose.

Additional information

Funding

This paper was not funded.