Is Semaglutide insulin?

Semaglutide tablets (Semaglutide) is a long-acting glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. Semaglutide tablets stimulate insulin secretion and inhibit glucagon secretion, which lowers blood sugar when blood sugar levels are high. The effects of glucose and appetite are mediated specifically through GLP-1 receptors in the pancreas and brain. Semaglutide reduces body weight and body fat mass by reducing energy intake, including a decrease in overall appetite. Therefore, semaglutide tablets are not insulin.

Semaglutide tablets belong to a class of drugs calledGLP-1 receptor agonists, which are also called incretin mimetics. Semaglutide helps control blood sugar levels, especially immediately after meals, by mimicking the function of the body's natural incretin hormone. Incretin hormones are intestinal peptides secreted by the stomach when food is eaten. They also stimulate the secretion of insulin in response to high blood sugar levels. However, it can be stimulated with medication, namely semaglutide tablets. Semaglutide tablets have 94% the same structure as human GLP-1, but are both man-made. It acts similarly to GLP-1 and binds to the GLP-1 receptor, stimulating the release of insulin from the pancreas, reducing the amount of glucagon secreted by the liver, and causing a feeling of fullness by slowing gastric emptying.

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.