Is Semaglutide tablets on the market?

Semaglutide is a glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) analog used to treat type 2 diabetes and lifestyle changes such as dietary restriction and increased physical activity. Semaglutide tablets were developed by Novo Nordisk and were approved for sale by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in September 2019 under the trade name Rybelsus. Subcutaneous injection of semaglutide is currently on the market. The EU was approved for marketing in April 2020.

Semaglutide tablets can effectively control blood sugar levels in patients with type 2 diabetes and can also help patients lose weight. The most common side effects of semaglutide tablets affect the digestive system; side effects are generally manageable and similar to those of the authorized injectable form of semaglutide. Like the injection, semaglutide may worsen diabetic retinopathy (damage to the retina of the eye) in some patients. Therefore, patients with this disease will be closely monitored, but studies have found that the benefits of semaglutide outweigh its risks.

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.