Semaglutide A Novel Oral Glucagon-Like Peptide Receptor Agonist for the Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a complex and chronic condition that requires continuous medical care. Uncontrolled hyperglycemia can lead to serious microvascular and macrovascular complications, such as coronary artery disease, peripheral arterial disease, and stroke. Type 2 DM occurs when the pancreas is unable to produce adequate insulin to regulate glucose levels and when there is a decrease in sensitivity to insulin in the body. Insufficient glucagon-like peptide (GLP-1), a normal body hormone, plays an important role in the pathophysiology of DM. The introduction of the GLP-1 receptor agonists expanded therapeutic options in achieving glycemic control in adult patients. In 2005, the US Food and Drug Administration approved exenatide as the first injectable formulation, which led to the advancement of other injectable formulations within the class of GLP-1 receptor agonists. In 2019, semaglutide was approved as the first oral GLP-1 receptor agonist addressing the unmet needs in patients who benefit from therapy with this therapeutic class yet are unwilling to use an injectable drug. This article will provide an overview of the GLP-1 receptor agonists, including the pharmacology of semaglutide, its clinical evidence and role in therapy in type 2 DM.