Oral Anti-Diabetic Semaglutide: A GLP-1 RA Peptide

Abstract

T2DM has emerged as a global disorder. Although there are many treatment options available for T2DM patients, still several patients complaint about inadequate blood sugar levels. Diabetes management is not limited to just lowering of blood glucose level, it needs a multifactorial approach in treatment. Glucagon- like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RA) are a new category of T2DM drugs that acts on various targets such as body weight reduction, renal and cardiovascular benefits. Despite of being so beneficial the major drawback of semaglutide has been its subcutaneous route of administration. Majority of the patients are unable to continue semaglutide for long because of their reluctance towards daily injectable. To avoid this oral semaglutide is introduced. Oral semaglutide is a GLP- 1RA which is displays high glycaemic control. However, in order to increase its bioavailability, it needs to be co formulated with sodium N-(8-[2-hydroxybenzyol] amino) caprylate (SNAC). Oral semaglutide has gone through a very intense series of clinical trials known as, Peptide Innovation for Early Diabetes Treatment (PIONEER). These trials have established benefits of oral semaglutide regarding reduction in glycaemic levels and body weight. It is deemed to be fit for regular consumption. In this review we discuss many aspects of oral semaglutide such as, its chemical structure, route of administration, challenges associated with the oral form of semaglutide, dosage, mechanism of oral bioavailability, robust indications, its placement in the line of defence, drug- drug interaction, various clinical trials (Phase trials and PIONEER studies) including their results. It also summarizes the benefits of oral semaglutide beyond glycaemic control and some future scope of research in the field.