The FDA has approved semaglutide (Ozempic – Novo Nordisk), a long-acting injectable GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptor agonist, for once-weekly treatment of adults with type 2 diabetes. It is the sixth GLP-1 receptor agonist to be approved in the US.

GLP-1 RECEPTOR AGONISTS — GLP-1 receptor agonists lower glucose levels by potentiating glucose-dependent secretion of insulin, suppressing postprandial glucagon secretion, slowing gastric emptying, and promoting satiety. They lower glycated hemoglobin (A1C) by about 1-1.5%, have been associated with average weight loss of 1.5-2.8 kg, and rarely cause hypoglycemia.1

Cardiovascular Effects – In patients with type 2 diabetes and high cardiovascular risk, addition of liraglutide (Victoza) to standard therapy has been shown to reduce the rates of major ... more      

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