Oral Semaglutide: First-in-Class Oral GLP-1 Receptor Agonist for the Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Objective:The purpose of this article is to review the pharmacological characteristics and clinical evidence of oral semaglutide for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Data Sources: A MEDLINE/PubMed search was conducted between January 1, 2005, and September 30, 2019. Search terms included semaglutide, glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonist, GLP-1 receptor agonist, and type 2 diabetes. Study Selection and Data Extraction Quantification: The following study designs were included in the analysis: systematic review and/or meta-analyses, clinical trial, or observational study design. Narrative reviews were excluded. Articles were included only if they were published in the English language or evaluated oral semaglutide with regard to pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, safety, and efficacy in humans. Data Synthesis: Oral semaglutide has been Food and Drug Administration approved for the treatment of T2DM as an adjunct to diet and exercise. Oral semaglutide has been shown to result in an absolute hemoglobin A 1C reduction between −0.5% and −1.5% and weight reductions between −1 and −4.7 kg. Oral semaglutide has been shown to be noninferior to placebo for cardiovascular (CV) safety although additional CV outcomes trials are ongoing. Adverse effects appear to be similar to those of other glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists and are gastrointestinal in nature. Relevance to Patient Care and Clinical Practice: Oral semaglutide may be appropriate as second- or third-line add-on therapy for patients with T2DM who are not meeting treatment goals on metformin and are overweight and reluctant to use an injectable drug. Conclusions: Oral semaglutide appears safe and effective as monotherapy and add-on pharmacological therapy for the treatment of T2DM.