Semaglutide (Ozempic and Wegovy)

Overview
Semaglutide is a medication used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and, in some cases, for weight management in individuals with obesity. It belongs to a class of drugs known as GLP-1 receptor agonists (glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists). Here are some key points about semaglutide:
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Mechanism of Action: Semaglutide works by mimicking the action of the hormone GLP-1, which is involved in blood sugar regulation. It helps increase insulin secretion, thereby lowering blood sugar levels, and decreases glucagon secretion. It also slows gastric emptying, which contributes to its effect on appetite and weight loss.
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Administration: It is typically administered via subcutaneous injection. There are different formulations available, including those for once-weekly injection. It’s important for patients to follow the specific dosing schedule prescribed by their healthcare provider.
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Use in Diabetes Treatment: Semaglutide is primarily used to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes. It is often prescribed in combination with diet and exercise, and sometimes in conjunction with other diabetes medications.
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Use in Weight Management: Semaglutide has also been shown to be effective in promoting weight loss in individuals with obesity or overweight, partly due to its appetite-suppressing effects. It is used under specific clinical conditions for weight management.
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Side Effects: Common side effects of semaglutide can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and constipation. These gastrointestinal symptoms are generally most prominent at the start of treatment and may diminish over time.
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Brand Names: Semaglutide is marketed under various brand names, including Ozempic® for diabetes treatment and Wegovy™ for weight management.
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Generic Availability: Semaglutide was under patent protection. Generic versions would typically become available after the expiration of the patent, allowing other companies to produce and sell cheaper versions.
How does Semaglutide work?

Semaglutide News
Do a live search of reviews and semiglutide in cancer PubMed now.
REVIEWS from PubMed – March 25, 2024 – Semaglutide (in title) AND Cancer (in title) AND Review
- The Potential Role of GLP1-RAs Against Anticancer-Drug Cardiotoxicity: A Scoping Review April 26, 2025Background: GLP1 receptor agonists (GLP1-RAs) have become a central component in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and are gaining prominence in the cardiovascular field. Semaglutide and other GLP1-RA molecules possess cardioprotective properties. Cardiotoxicity, a term used to refer to cardiovascular disease caused by anticancer treatment, is a collection of common and severe […]Filippo Biondi
- Real-world evidence on the utilization, clinical and comparative effectiveness, and adverse effects of newer GLP-1RA-based weight-loss therapies April 8, 2025Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) have emerged as key agents for weight management, based on their marked efficacy as observed in randomized controlled trials. While still limited, real-world studies on GLP-1RA use in populations with obesity are increasingly available. This narrative review discusses contemporary real-world evidence demonstrating the utilization, clinical and comparative effectiveness, and adverse […]Reimar W Thomsen
- A meta-analysis on the risk of esophageal cancer in type 2 diabetes patients treated with GLP-1 receptor agonists April 4, 2025CONCLUSIONS: GLP-1 RAs did not increase the incidence of esophageal neoplasms, and there were not probably significant within-class differences in T2DM or obesity treatment. This finding supports the safety of GLP-1 RAs as a therapeutic option for the clinical management of T2DM.Qi Wu
- Glucagon-like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists: Exciting Avenues Beyond Weight Loss March 27, 2025The last two decades have proffered many remarkable choices in managing type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Leading the list are glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP1RAs), the first of which, exenatide, was approved by the FDA in 2005. Two other major classes of drugs have also entered the market: dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors, commonly […]Lalitha Sundararaman
- Exploring Connections Between Weight-Loss Medications and Thyroid Cancer: A Look at the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System Database March 8, 2025CONCLUSION: The study, based on data from the FAERS database, suggests a potential association between GLP-1 receptor agonists and an increased thyroid cancer risk. These findings underscore the importance of further research and continuous safety monitoring when prescribing these medications for obesity management.Christophe Abi Zeid Daou
- Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists: a new pharmacological treatment option for psychiatric illnesses? March 5, 2025Albiglutide, dulaglutide, exenatide, liraglutide, lixisenatide, orforglipron and semaglutide are glucagon-like peptide‑1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. Tirzepatide targets not only GLP‑1 but also glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide (GIP) receptors and retatrutide is a triple GLP‑1, GIP and glucagon receptor agonist. The GLP‑1 receptor agonists increase insulin release but suppress glucagon release. They slow down the emptying of the […]Hubertus Himmerich
- Treatment of obesity: will incretin agonists make bariatric surgery a thing of the past? February 21, 2025The prevalence of obesity continues to increase worldwide. Obesity is associated with an increased risk of cardiometabolic and other diseases, reduced quality of life and shortened life expectancy. Highly effective therapies are required to achieve meaningful and sustained weight reduction to prevent, slow or reverse disease associated with obesity. Bariatric surgery is a highly effective […]Siehoon Lah
- How 'miracle' weight-loss semaglutide promises to change medicine but can we afford the expense? February 13, 2025Obesity is a complex and growing global concern, affecting one in eight individuals and compromising health, quality of life and life expectancy. It carries significant metabolic, cardiovascular, oncological, hepatorenal, skeletal and psychiatric risks, imposing substantial costs on health-care systems. Traditional treatments have often been ineffective or have led to relapse after lifestyle changes. Whereas bariatric […]Ralf Weiskirchen
- Nutrient-Stimulating Hormone-Based Therapies for Obesity February 7, 2025Obesity is a chronic disease with an increasing worldwide prevalence. Improving obesity is of paramount importance given its association with conditions such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer among others. In the last decade, a new class of highly efficacious medications called nutrient-stimulating hormone (NuSH) therapies has emerged. This article highlights the effectiveness […]Cagney Cristancho
- Association of long-term weight management pharmacotherapy with multiple health outcomes: an umbrella review and evidence map January 26, 2025CONCLUSIONS: This umbrella review identified significant beneficial associations between pharmacotherapies and anthropometric measures, lipid profile, blood pressure, glycemic profile, and quality-of-life outcomes in individuals with overweight or obesity. In addition, the umbrella review highlighted safety considerations. The findings affirm the efficacy of the six pharmacotherapies in promoting weight loss in this demographic. Further clinical trials […]Ting-Ting Lu
- Letter to the Editor regarding "Semaglutide and cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis" by Nagendra L et al November 4, 2024No abstractYu Xiao
- Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists for weight management: A review for the gynecologic oncologist August 8, 2024The use of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RA) has experienced rapid growth amidst the obesity epidemic in the United States. While originally developed for glucose control in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, the scope of these agents now extends to encompass weight loss and cardiovascular risk reduction. GLP-1RAs have the potential to induce significant weight loss, […]Courtney J Riedinger
- The effect of GLP-1R agonists on the medical triad of obesity, diabetes, and cancer May 27, 2024Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) agonists have garnered significant attention for their therapeutic potential in addressing the interconnected health challenges of diabetes, obesity, and cancer. The role of GLP-1R in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is highlighted, emphasizing its pivotal contribution to glucose homeostasis, promoting β-cell proliferation, and facilitating insulin release. GLP-1R agonists have effectively managed […]Shahad Sabaawi Ibrahim
- Molecular mechanisms of semaglutide and liraglutide as a therapeutic option for obesity May 14, 2024Obesity, a chronic global health problem, is associated with an increase in various comorbidities, such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and certain types of cancer. The increasing global prevalence of obesity requires research into new therapeutic strategies. Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists, specifically semaglutide and liraglutide, designed for type 2 diabetes mellitus treatment, […]Rafael Tamayo-Trujillo
- Obesity pharmacotherapy in older adults: a narrative review of evidence May 6, 2024The prevalence of obesity in older adults (people aged >60 years) is increasing in line with the demographic shift in global populations. Despite knowledge of obesity-related complications in younger adults (increased risk of type 2 diabetes, liver and cardiovascular disease and malignancy), these considerations may be outweighed, in older adults, by concerns regarding weight-loss induced […]Alex E Henney
- Assessment of Thyroid Carcinogenic Risk and Safety Profile of GLP1-RA Semaglutide (Ozempic) Therapy for Diabetes Mellitus and Obesity: A Systematic Literature Review April 27, 2024The broadening application of glucagon-like peptide (GLP)-1 receptor agonists, specifically semaglutide (Ozempic) for the management of diabetes and obesity brings a critical need to evaluate its safety profile, considering estimates of up to 20 million prescriptions per year in the US until 2035. This systematic review aims to assess the incidence of thyroid cancer and […]Catalin Vladut Ionut Feier
- Cost consequence analysis of adding semaglutide to treatment regimen for patients with Type II diabetes in Saudi Arabia April 11, 2024CONCLUSION: Although Semaglutide induced modest weight reductions, it did not offer significant advantages in lowering HbA1C levels compared to other hypoglycemic treatments. These findings suggest the need for further research involving larger and more diverse cohorts to corroborate these findings.Yazed AlRuthia
- The role of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis March 21, 2024Despite its considerable and growing burden, there are currently no Food and Drug Administration-approved treatments for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease or its progressive form, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH). Several glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) and other agents are in various phases of clinical development for use in MASH; an ideal therapy should reduce liver […]Manal F Abdelmalek
- Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists and Thyroid Cancer: A Narrative Review February 12, 2024Background: Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) are highly effective medications for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and obesity. Pharmacological studies in rodents support an association between the use of GLP-1 RAs and the development of medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) resulting in a black box warning for these agents in patients at risk for […]Ana E Espinosa De Ycaza
- Glucagon-like peptide agonists: A prospective review December 14, 2023CONCLUSION: In conclusion, this review underscores the significance of GLP-1RAs, with a specific focus on semaglutide, in the management of type 2 diabetes, obesity, and beyond. By synthesizing information on their mechanisms, pharmacokinetics, efficacy, and safety, this review provides valuable insights into the potential benefits these agents offer, contributing to the ongoing discourse in the […]Zamara Mariam
Do a search of semaglutide and cancer PubMed now.
Recent PAPERS (33 total) from PubMed – March 25, 2024 – Semaglutide (in title) and Cancer (in title)
- Glucagon-like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) Receptor Agonists and Cancer Prevention: Methodological Pitfalls in Observational Studies May 14, 2025CONCLUSIONS: Cancer prevention through GLP-1 receptor agonist use should be explored; however, there are several methodological challenges to overcome in understanding this link before it can inform clinical practice and policy.Matthew Harris
- Survival Benefits of GLP-1 Receptor Agonists in Patients with Neuroendocrine Neoplasms: A Large-Scale Propensity-Matched Cohort Study May 14, 2025Background: Neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs) represent a heterogeneous group of malignancies that consist of two major subtypes: neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) and neuroendocrine carcinomas (NECs). Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1Ra) have demonstrated favorable results in preclinical studies, but their impact on NEN outcomes remains unexplored. Methods: Using the TriNetX US Research Network, we identified adult patients with […]Manal S Fawzy
- The Potential Role of GLP1-RAs Against Anticancer-Drug Cardiotoxicity: A Scoping Review April 26, 2025Background: GLP1 receptor agonists (GLP1-RAs) have become a central component in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and are gaining prominence in the cardiovascular field. Semaglutide and other GLP1-RA molecules possess cardioprotective properties. Cardiotoxicity, a term used to refer to cardiovascular disease caused by anticancer treatment, is a collection of common and severe […]Filippo Biondi
- National trends in prescription drug expenditures and projections for 2025 April 22, 2025CONCLUSION: For 2025, we expect overall prescription drug spending to rise by 9.0 to 11.0%, whereas in clinics and hospitals we anticipate an 11.0% to 13.0% increase and a 2.0% to 4.0% increase, respectively, compared to 2024. These national estimates of future pharmaceutical expenditure growth may not be representative of any health system because of […]Eric M Tichy
- A case report of semaglutide induced sarcopenia: causes of fatigue in older adults April 14, 2025Semaglutide, a medication used for type 2 diabetes and weight loss, may have unexpected side effects such as sarcopenia and age-related loss of muscle mass and strength. A 74-year-old male patient with type 2 diabetes and dyslipidemia presented with progressive fatigue over 2 years. He experienced a significant decline in walking endurance and speed despite […]Azwan Aziz Mohamad
- Real-world evidence on the utilization, clinical and comparative effectiveness, and adverse effects of newer GLP-1RA-based weight-loss therapies April 8, 2025Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) have emerged as key agents for weight management, based on their marked efficacy as observed in randomized controlled trials. While still limited, real-world studies on GLP-1RA use in populations with obesity are increasingly available. This narrative review discusses contemporary real-world evidence demonstrating the utilization, clinical and comparative effectiveness, and adverse […]Reimar W Thomsen
- Opaganib Promotes Weight Loss and Suppresses High-Fat Diet-Induced Obesity and Glucose Intolerance April 7, 2025CONCLUSION: Overall, the data indicate that opaganib effectively suppresses the loss of metabolic control in mice on HFD, suggesting that opaganib may be useful alone or in combination with existing therapies for weight management and improve conditions associated with obesity and diabetes.Lynn W Maines
- A meta-analysis on the risk of esophageal cancer in type 2 diabetes patients treated with GLP-1 receptor agonists April 4, 2025CONCLUSIONS: GLP-1 RAs did not increase the incidence of esophageal neoplasms, and there were not probably significant within-class differences in T2DM or obesity treatment. This finding supports the safety of GLP-1 RAs as a therapeutic option for the clinical management of T2DM.Qi Wu
- Rheumatology: What You May Have Missed in 2024 March 31, 2025Internal medicine physicians are frequently responsible for caring for patients with rheumatologic diseases, whether as a primary provider or in collaboration with subspecialists. This article calls attention to 8 studies published in 2024 that shed new light on the management of common rheumatologic conditions that internal medicine physicians are likely to encounter. The first study […]Brandon J Blau
- Glucagon-like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists: Exciting Avenues Beyond Weight Loss March 27, 2025The last two decades have proffered many remarkable choices in managing type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Leading the list are glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP1RAs), the first of which, exenatide, was approved by the FDA in 2005. Two other major classes of drugs have also entered the market: dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors, commonly […]Lalitha Sundararaman
- The Role of Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) Receptor Agonists in Acute Cholecystitis After a Routine Colonoscopy: A Case Report March 19, 2025Colonoscopy (CLN) is a common procedure for colon cancer screening and diagnosing various conditions. Acute cholecystitis (AC), though rare, has been reported as a complication. We present a 66-year-old female on semaglutide for obesity who developed AC within 72 hours post-CLN. Considering the increasing use of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) and their impact […]Ahmad Abdulraheem
- Incretin triple agonist retatrutide (LY3437943) alleviates obesity-associated cancer progression March 17, 2025Medical therapeutics for weight loss are changing the landscape of obesity but impacts on obesity-associated cancer remain unclear. We report that in pre-clinical models with significant retatrutide (RETA, LY3437943)-induced weight loss, pancreatic cancer engraftment was reduced, tumor onset was delayed, and progression was attenuated resulting in a 14-fold reduction in tumor volume compared to only […]Sandesh J Marathe
- Exploring Connections Between Weight-Loss Medications and Thyroid Cancer: A Look at the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System Database March 8, 2025CONCLUSION: The study, based on data from the FAERS database, suggests a potential association between GLP-1 receptor agonists and an increased thyroid cancer risk. These findings underscore the importance of further research and continuous safety monitoring when prescribing these medications for obesity management.Christophe Abi Zeid Daou
- Semaglutide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist, inhibits oral squamous cell carcinoma growth through P38 MAPK signaling pathway March 7, 2025CONCLUSIONS: Semaglutide exerts inhibitory actions on OSCC and may induce apoptosis in OSCC cells via the P38 MAPK signaling pathway. This study has significant implications for the treatment of patients with diabetes who are also afflicted by OSCC.Can Wang
- Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists: a new pharmacological treatment option for psychiatric illnesses? March 5, 2025Albiglutide, dulaglutide, exenatide, liraglutide, lixisenatide, orforglipron and semaglutide are glucagon-like peptide‑1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. Tirzepatide targets not only GLP‑1 but also glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide (GIP) receptors and retatrutide is a triple GLP‑1, GIP and glucagon receptor agonist. The GLP‑1 receptor agonists increase insulin release but suppress glucagon release. They slow down the emptying of the […]Hubertus Himmerich
- Enhancing Progestin Therapy with a Glucagon-Like Peptide 1 Agonist for the Conservative Management of Endometrial Cancer February 26, 2025CONCLUSION: In summary, we identify synergistic molecular cross-talk between the GLP-1R and steroid hormone receptor pathways, with the potential to enhance the anticancer activity of levonorgestrel when combined with semaglutide.Andrea R Hagemann
- A Hypothesis That Glucagon-like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists Exert Immediate and Multifaceted Effects by Activating Adenosine Monophosphate-Activate Protein Kinase (AMPK) February 26, 2025Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) reduce bodyweight and blood glucose. Extensive evidence from randomized controlled trials has indicated that GLP-1RAs have benefits well beyond weight loss and glucose control, extending from reductions in cardiovascular mortality to reductions in prostate cancer risk. Notably, some benefits of GLP-1RAs for the cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic (CKM) system arise before weight loss […]C Mary Schooling
- Treatment of obesity: will incretin agonists make bariatric surgery a thing of the past? February 21, 2025The prevalence of obesity continues to increase worldwide. Obesity is associated with an increased risk of cardiometabolic and other diseases, reduced quality of life and shortened life expectancy. Highly effective therapies are required to achieve meaningful and sustained weight reduction to prevent, slow or reverse disease associated with obesity. Bariatric surgery is a highly effective […]Siehoon Lah
- How 'miracle' weight-loss semaglutide promises to change medicine but can we afford the expense? February 13, 2025Obesity is a complex and growing global concern, affecting one in eight individuals and compromising health, quality of life and life expectancy. It carries significant metabolic, cardiovascular, oncological, hepatorenal, skeletal and psychiatric risks, imposing substantial costs on health-care systems. Traditional treatments have often been ineffective or have led to relapse after lifestyle changes. Whereas bariatric […]Ralf Weiskirchen
- Nutrient-Stimulating Hormone-Based Therapies for Obesity February 7, 2025Obesity is a chronic disease with an increasing worldwide prevalence. Improving obesity is of paramount importance given its association with conditions such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer among others. In the last decade, a new class of highly efficacious medications called nutrient-stimulating hormone (NuSH) therapies has emerged. This article highlights the effectiveness […]Cagney Cristancho
US Clinical Trials involving semaglutide
NCT Number | Study Title | Study URL | Study Status | Sponsor | Locations |
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NCT05756764 | Anti-obesity Pharmacotherapy and Inflammation | https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05756764 | RECRUITING | Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center in New Orleans | LSU Clinical & Translational Research Center (CTRC - - LSUHSC-NO, New Orleans, Louisiana, 70112, United States|Ochsner Health System - Bioespecimen, New Orleans, Louisiana, 70121, United States |
NCT05646199 | Semaglutide vs Metformin in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) | https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05646199 | NOT_YET_RECRUITING | University of Hull | Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Hull, HU32RW, United Kingdom |
NCT05702905 | Semaglutide Improves Metabolic Abnormalities and Fertility in Obese Infertile Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome | https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05702905 | RECRUITING | Peking University First Hospital | PekingUFH, Peking, Beijing, 100034, China |
NCT05819853 | Role of Semaglutide in Restoring Ovulation in Youth and Adults With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome | https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05819853 | RECRUITING | University of Colorado, Denver | University of Colorado Anschutz/Children's Hospital Colorado Aurora, Aurora, Colorado, 80045, United States |