GLP-1 Receptor Agonists
Mechanism and Medical Significance
Semaglutide belongs to the class of GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptor agonists — drugs that mimic the incretin hormone released by the small intestine after meals. GLP-1 receptor agonists have multiple synergistic mechanisms that make them effective for both diabetes and obesity.
- Mechanism: Stimulates insulin secretion in a glucose-dependent manner (only when blood sugar is high — reducing hypoglycemia risk); suppresses glucagon production; slows gastric emptying (prolongs satiety)
- Administration: Once-weekly subcutaneous injection (abdomen, thigh, or upper arm)
- Approved indications: Type 2 diabetes management; weight management (obesity); cardiovascular risk reduction in T2DM patients with heart disease; slows kidney disease progression in diabetic CKD patients; treats metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH)
- Drug class examples: Semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy), Liraglutide (Victoza, Saxenda), Tirzepatide (Mounjaro — dual GLP-1/GIP agonist)
- Side effects: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea (common); pancreatitis, gallbladder complications (serious, rare)
● Tracked since March 07, 2026 · last seen July 03, 2026 · updates as the daily brief publishes
29 Apr '26
Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories gets Health Canada nod for generic Semaglutide injection
Geography
09 Apr '26
Semaglutide is off patent: what does this mean for obesity in India?
Science & Technology
09 Apr '26
Can GLP-1 generics fix India’s obesity epidemic, which goes beyond body size?
Science & Technology
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