Semaglutide and GLP-1 Overview
GLP-1, short for glucagon-like peptide-1 is a short, naturally occurring peptide hormone just 30-31 amino acids in length. Its primary physiologic function is to lower blood sugar levels by naturally enhancing insulin secretion. It also plays roles in protection beta cell insulin stores by promoting insulin gene transcription and has been linked with neurotrophic effects in the brain and central nervous system. In the GI system, GLP-1 has been shown to significantly decrease appetite by delaying gastric emptying and reducing intestinal motility. Preliminary research has shown impacts of GLP-1 in the heart, fat, muscles, bones, liver, lungs, and kidneys as well.
The primary focus of GLP-1 research has been in the realm of diabetes treatment/prevention as well as appetite suppression. Secondary research focuses on the potential cardiovascular benefits of the peptide. More recent, and thus less robust, research focuses on the ability of GLP-1 to stave off neurodegenerative disease. Though this latter area of research is newest, it is also the fast-growing area of GLP-1 study now that the peptide has been revealed to slow or prevent the accumulation of amyloid beta plaques in the setting of Alzheimer’s disease.
Semaglutide and GLP-1 Research
1.Semaglutide For Weight Loss
There is extensive research on semaglutide for its weight loss effect. A 2018 study looked at the impact of baseline BMI and the occurrence of nausea and vomiting on weight loss induced by semaglutide. The results showed that a higher baseline BMI was associated with greater weight loss, with little to no contribution of nausea or vomiting to this effect. Furthermore, the weight loss effect of semaglutide was far greater than comparators (who either receive a placebo or other GLP-1 agonists) regardless of basal BMI[1].
In a later study, it was shown that semaglutide was well tolerated for over 52 weeks, with the most common side effect observed being nausea. Further, in combination with lifestyle and diet, this drug showed greater weight loss as compared to placebo [2]. Similarly, another study found that overweight or obese adults who completed a 20-week run-in period and continued their treatment with semaglutide experienced ongoing weight loss as compared to those who took placebo [3].
A literature review article published in 2023 summarized the results of three clinical trials (SUSTAIN, PIONEER and STEP) on the weight loss effect of semaglutide. It concluded that the semaglutide (oral or injectable) has greater efficacy in terms of weight loss as compared to placebo and other medications, which led to the approval of the FDA of semaglutide for weight loss [4].
2. Semaglutide and Diabetes
Semaglutide for diabetes has already been approved by FDA after a series of successful trials called SUSTAIN (Semaglutide Unabated Sustainability in Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes). The SUSTAIN trials have helped establish effective semaglutide dosage. However, these trials are still ongoing and currently, semaglutide is in phase 3.
The latest SUSTAIN trial was published in 2022 that showed semaglutide once a week led to greater HBA1C reduction as compared to insulin aspart thrice per day. Furthermore, individuals taking semaglutide experienced greater weight loss as compared to those who took insulin aspart[5].
3. Current Status of Semaglutide
Currently, two phase-three clinical trials are being carried out to examine the efficacy of semaglutide in early Alzheimer’s disease, named as Evoke trial and Evoke plus trial[6]. Moreover, SOUL and SELECT trials are being carried out to assess the cardiovascular outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes taking semaglutide [7, 8]. Semaglutide for sale at our website is restricted to educational and research purposes, only buy semaglutide if you are a researcher.
