Oral Semaglutide Shows Promise as an Alternative to Injectable Diabetes and Obesity Drugs

New Research Shows Potential for Pill Form of Injectable Diabetes and Obesity Drugs

Researchers presented new data on Sunday at the American Diabetes Association Scientific Sessions conference, revealing the potential effectiveness of the active ingredient in injectable diabetes and obesity drugs when taken orally. The studies focused on semaglutide, the active compound in medications such as Ozempic and Wegovy, which are known for their ability to induce weight loss.

One study, published in The Lancet, tracked 667 people over 68 weeks and found that taking 50 milligrams of oral semaglutide each day was roughly as effective as weekly Wegovy shots in reducing weight in overweight or obese individuals. Eighty-five percent of those who took semaglutide lost at least 5 percent of their body weight, compared to just 26 percent of those who received a placebo. On average, those who took semaglutide lost around 15 percent of their body weight, approximately six times more than the placebo group.

Another study, also published in The Lancet, focused on oral semaglutide for people with Type 2 diabetes. Participants were divided into three groups and given daily doses of 14 milligrams, 25 milligrams, or 50 milligrams. The study found that those who took the higher doses lost more weight and had greater reductions in blood sugar compared to those who took the lowest dose.

Novo Nordisk, the company that manufactures Wegovy and Ozempic, funded both trials. Dr. Robert Gabbay, the chief scientific and medical officer of the American Diabetes Association, believes that the availability of an oral form of these medications could encourage more people to use them, as some individuals may be hesitant to use injectable treatments.

However, the higher the dose of oral semaglutide, the more side effects were reported. In the trial involving overweight or obese individuals, 80 percent of those who took oral semaglutide reported gastrointestinal issues, such as vomiting, nausea, constipation, or diarrhea. Additionally, nearly 13 percent experienced altered skin sensation, such as tingling. Similar side effects were observed in the trial involving people with diabetes.

While an oral form of semaglutide already exists on the market under the name Rybelsus, it is less effective than Ozempic and Wegovy. The Food and Drug Administration has only approved Rybelsus for adults with Type 2 diabetes, and the tablets come in smaller daily doses.

The potential availability of higher-dose semaglutide pills in the future could lead to increased off-label use for cosmetic weight loss. A. Janet Tomiyama, a professor of psychology at the University of California, Los Angeles, expressed concern about the impact of these drugs on people’s body image and the potential for misuse.

Clinicians are advised to focus on whether semaglutide, in any form, can help improve a patient’s overall health rather than solely focusing on weight loss. Dr. Scott Hagan, an assistant professor of medicine at the University of Washington, believes that an oral form of these medications could be a welcome addition to treatment options for patients who may benefit from weight management.

Further research and development are needed to determine when, or if, higher-dose semaglutide pills will become available on the market.

How do the results of the studies support the use of an oral form of semaglutide as a treatment for obesity and Type 2 diabetes?

Ic, plans to submit the data from these studies to regulatory authorities, with hopes of obtaining approval for an oral form of semaglutide as a treatment for obesity and Type 2 diabetes. If successful, this could provide a more convenient option for patients who currently rely on injectable medications for these conditions.

Injectable diabetes and obesity drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy have been shown to be effective in promoting weight loss and managing blood sugar levels. However, the need for regular injections can be a barrier to adherence for some patients. An oral form of these drugs could potentially overcome this challenge and offer a more accessible and convenient treatment option.

The results of these studies are promising, demonstrating that oral semaglutide is comparable in effectiveness to the injectable versions. The significant weight loss observed in participants taking oral semaglutide highlights its potential in the management of obesity. Additionally, the higher doses of oral semaglutide showed even more pronounced benefits in terms of weight loss and blood sugar reduction in individuals with Type 2 diabetes.

It is important to note that these studies were funded by Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of Wegovy and Ozempic. However, independent experts have praised the methodological rigor and large sample sizes of the studies, which lend credibility to the findings.

The introduction of an oral form of semaglutide could have a significant impact on the treatment landscape for both obesity and Type 2 diabetes. It could potentially increase accessibility and adherence, leading to better outcomes for patients. However, further research and regulatory approvals are needed before this oral form becomes widely available to the public.

Overall, these new research findings present exciting possibilities for the future of diabetes and obesity treatment. The potential for an oral form of injectable medications could revolutionize patient care, offering a convenient and effective option for those struggling with these conditions.