Oral semaglutide: A new glp-1 receptor agonist product for the treatment of type 2 diabetes

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists are an increasingly popular class of glucose-lowering agents for the treatment of type 2 diabetes (T2DM), owing to their robust glucose-lowering effects, low risk of hypoglycemia, and potential to induce weight loss. More recently, agents within the GLP-1 receptor agonist class have also demonstrated cardiovascular and kidney benefits in completed cardiovascular outcome trials. Despite their popularity, GLP-1 receptor agonist use to date has been limited to patients willing and able to administer the medication by SC injection. A novel oral formulation of the GLP-1 receptor agonist semaglutide (Rybelsus) was recently approved for the treatment of T2DM. The formulation that allows for oral administration of semaglutide is described. Recently published efficacy and safety data are reviewed and the potential role of this novel GLP-1 receptor agonist in patient care is discussed.