Oral semaglutide – Rybelsus®, the first GLP-1 receptor agonist for oral use in clinical practice

Abstract

Glucagon like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RA) are potent antidiabetic drugs associated with significant weight loss and minimal risk of hypoglycemia. Semaglutide is a GLP-1 RA with a proven cardiovascular benefit. It is currently also available in oral form, which is especially suitable for the treatment of the initial phase of type 2 diabetes. However, it is also effective at later initiation of therapy, in different diabetic populations. The PIONEER 6 trial demonstrated cardiovascular safety of oral semaglutide, its administration was accompanied by a significant reduction in cardiovascular and overall mortality.