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American Journal of Pharmacy and Health Research

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Semaglutide: Pharmacology and Clinical Evidence in Cardiometabolic Therapy

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Published in October 2026 Issue 10 (Vol. 14, Issue 10, 2026)

Semaglutide: Pharmacology and Clinical Evidence in Cardiometabolic Therapy - Issue cover

Keywords

glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonisttype 2 diabetes mellitusobesitycardiovascular outcomeschronic kidney disease

Abstract

Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus and obesity frequently coexist and contribute to cardiovascular and renal complications. Semaglutide, a long-acting glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist, has expanded incretin pharmacology beyond glucose lowering toward broader cardiometabolic therapy. Methods: This narrative review integrated pharmacological and clinical evidence on semaglutide. Priority was given to pivotal randomized controlled trials, cardiovascular and renal outcome trials, pharmacokinetic studies and clinically relevant follow-up studies from the SUSTAIN, PIONEER, STEP, SELECT and FLOW programmes. Results: Semaglutide enhances glucose-dependent insulin secretion, suppresses glucagon, reduces appetite and energy intake, and delays gastric emptying. Once-weekly subcutaneous and once-daily oral formulations produced clinically important reductions in glycated hemoglobin and body weight. Semaglutide reduced major adverse cardiovascular events in high-risk patients with type 2 diabetes, lowered cardiovascular events in patients with established cardiovascular disease and obesity without diabetes, and slowed chronic kidney disease progression in patients with diabetes and chronic kidney disease. Gastrointestinal adverse effects were the main tolerability limitation, and substantial weight regain occurred after treatment withdrawal. Conclusion: Semaglutide is an important cardiometabolic therapy; optimal use requires patient selection, gradual dose escalation, monitoring and long-term treatment planning.

References

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Authors (3)

Shruti M Aher

JSPMs Rajarshi Shahu college O...

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Tanvi Vasudev Kulkarni

JSPMs Rajarshi Shahu college O...

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Suyog Ishwar Jawale

SPMs Rajarshi Shahu college Of...

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Article Information

Published in:

October 2026 Issue 10 (Vol. 14, Issue 10, 2026)

AJPHR10140002

AJPHR-01-000969

9-17

2026-10-25

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How to Cite

Aher, S. M., Vasudev Kulkarni, T., & Ishwar Jawale, S. (2026). Semaglutide: Pharmacology and Clinical Evidence in Cardiometabolic Therapy. American Journal of Pharmacy and Health Research, 14(10), 9-17. https://ajphr.com/articles/AJPHR10140002

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