Semaglutide is a long-acting formulation developed based on the fundamental structure of liraglutide; indicated for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, it is primarily utilized in the pharmaceutical sector and clinical research.

Its specific applications include the treatment of type 2 diabetes, weight management, and cardiovascular disease. Oral semaglutide tablets (brand name Rybelsus®) have been approved in the European Union for treating type 2 diabetes; based on the SOUL clinical trial, the drug reduces the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) by 14% in relevant patient populations. The 2.4 mg injectable formulation of semaglutide (brand name Wegovy®) has been approved in both the European Union and the United States for long-term weight management in adults with obesity or overweight.

Based on the SELECT clinical trial, once-weekly subcutaneous injection of semaglutide 2.4 mg reduces the risk of MACE in patients with obesity or overweight and established atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), and improves outcomes in patients with heart failure. In the European Union, the product label for Wegovy® includes data demonstrating improvements in symptoms and physical function associated with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), as well as the alleviation of knee osteoarthritis pain; in the United States, its indications also include the treatment of non-cirrhotic adults with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) and moderate-to-severe liver fibrosis.