Semaglutide in Metabolic Medicine: A Review on Clinical Applications and Emerging Therapeutics
Abstract
Obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus affect over 800 million and 537 million individuals worldwide. Semaglutide, a weekly glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist, has advanced treatment of pathophysiological processes linked to metabolic dysregulation. This review consolidates evidence on its mechanisms of action, clinical effectiveness across established and emerging applications, safety, and prospects for personalized therapy. Clinical studies have shown that semaglutide sustains glycemic control, promotes substantial weight loss, and provides cardiovascular and renal protection. Recent FDA clearance marks the first therapeutic alternative for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis among the emerging applications. Pharmacogenomic insights facilitate personalized therapy; however, clinical applications remain in experimental stage. Gastrointestinal side effects are the main tolerability concern, but the risk-benefit profile underscores its increasing significance in metabolic therapy. Therapies for diabetes and obesity are cost-effective; however, global accessibility challenges persist. Future priorities include refining combination medicines, promoting precision medicine, and addressing healthcare inequities to augment population-level effects.
Authors: Abdulrahman A Aljabri
Journal: Saudi medical journal