Semaglutide is a long-acting glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist indicated for the management of type 2 diabetes and obesity.

Structurally similar to endogenous GLP-1 (94% homology), it is engineered to resist degradation by the enzyme dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4), which extends its plasma half-life to approximately one week. Its mechanism involves enhancing insulin secretion in response to elevated blood glucose, suppressing excess glucagon production, slowing gastric emptying, and acting on appetite regulation centers in the brain to reduce food intake. Administered once weekly via subcutaneous injection, semaglutide has shown efficacy in major clinical studies (e.g., the SUSTAIN and STEP trials) by improving glycemic control and promoting substantial weight reduction in both diabetic and non-diabetic individuals. It is not recommended for patients with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or those diagnosed with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN 2).