Smegglutide is a long-acting glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1RA) with 94% amino acid sequence homology to natural human glucagon-like peptide-1. As the sixth marketed GLP-1RA and the third once-weekly long-acting formulation, it is primarily used for glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes.
This drug was approved for marketing in the United States in December 2017 and subsequently used in more than 50 countries and regions. It was approved in China in April 2021. It stimulates insulin secretion and inhibits glucagon release by activating the GLP-1 receptor, with a half-life extended to 7 days. In June 2024, a weight-loss version (trade name: Novogene) was approved in mainland China for long-term weight management and officially launched in November of the same year. In January 2024, oral smegglutide tablets were approved in China, becoming the first oral GLP-1RA drug in the country. In March 2024, the US FDA approved its weight-loss version for reducing the risk of cardiovascular events in overweight patients with cardiovascular disease. In July 2025, a new indication was approved in China for semaglutide, which can reduce the risk of kidney failure and death in patients with type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease. Gastrointestinal side effects and thyroid-related contraindications may occur during use. As of 2025, semaglutide injection and tablets are manufactured by Novo Nordisk; the weight-loss version is not covered by medical insurance and requires a prescription. On December 23, it was announced that US regulatory agencies approved the first GLP-1 oral weight-loss tablet. As of April 25, 2026, the patent for the core compound of semaglutide expired more than a month ago, and no domestically produced semaglutide has yet been approved in China.
