Are Semaglutide tablets and injections as effective?

Both forms of semaglutide (Semaglutide) and injections have been found to be effective in promoting efficacy, and each has its own pros and cons. The efficacy of once-weekly subcutaneous semaglutide and once-daily oral semaglutide tablets has been studied in a range of clinical settings in global maintenance and pioneer Phase III clinical trial programs.

In clinical trials involving patients with early-stage type 2 diabetes who received only diet and exercise, both oral semaglutide tablets and injectable semaglutide showed significant reductions in glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels compared with baseline levels. Compared with the placebo group, monotherapy with 1.0 mg subcutaneous semaglutide and oral 14 mg semaglutide tablets reduced HbA1c by 1.6% (at 30 weeks) and 1.4% (at 26 weeks), respectively.

Studies involving patients with confirmed type 2 diabetes who had received one to three oral doses showed that both oral and injectable semaglutide were effective in reducing HbA1c levels. Subcutaneous semaglutide (0.5 mg and 1.0 mg) and oral semaglutide tablets (7 mg and 14 mg) showed better HbA1c-lowering effects compared with other drugs or insulin. In patients with advanced uncontrolled type 2 diabetes already receiving insulin, both oral and injectable semaglutide showed significant reductions in HbA1c levels. Subcutaneous semaglutide (0.5 mg and 1.0 mg) and oral semaglutide tablets (7 mg and 14 mg) were more effective than placebo in reducing HbA1c levels.

Across different patient populations, both oral and injectable semaglutide demonstrated significant weight loss. Patients with type 2 diabetes controlled solely by diet and exercise In patients with early-stage type 2 diabetes, semaglutide monotherapy resulted in greater weight loss compared with placebo. Subcutaneous injection of 1.0 mg oral semaglutide and oral 14 mg oral semaglutide tablets resulted in weight loss of 4.5 kg and 3.7 kg, respectively, while placebo only resulted in weight loss of 1.0 kg and 1.4 kg, respectively.

In patients with type 2 diabetes who had received one or two oral doses, both oral and injectable semaglutide demonstrated significant weight loss compared with corresponding comparison groups. Subcutaneous semaglutide resulted in greater weight loss than weekly exenatide extended-release, dulaglutide, or liraglutide. When metformin, an SGLT2 (sodium-glucose cotransporter-2) inhibitor, was combined with liraglutide (1.8 mg), oral semaglutide 14 mg tablets showed similar weight loss as once-daily liraglutide.

Semaglutide tablets have not yet been launched in China. Its injection has been launched in China and is covered by medical insurance, but only eligible patients can be reimbursed.The price of each 3ml tube may be around RMB 1,000. The original drug Semaglutide tablets sold overseas, with a specification of 3 mg*100 tablets, may cost around 2,000 yuan per box (the price may fluctuate due to exchange rates). There are currently no generic versions of semaglutide on the market.