Semaglutide is a medication used to treat type 2 diabetes and obesity. It is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist, which works by mimicking the effects of a natural hormone in the body called GLP-1 [1]. This hormone helps regulate blood sugar levels by stimulating the release of insulin and reducing the production of glucose in the liver.

Semaglutide was first approved by the US FDA in 2017 for the treatment of type 2 diabetes in adults [2]. It is administered via injection, typically once or twice a week [3]. Common side effects of semaglutide include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and injection site reactions [4].

In addition to its use in treating type 2 diabetes, semaglutide has also been studied as a treatment for obesity. Clinical trials have shown that semaglutide can lead to significant weight loss and improvement in body composition in individuals with obesity [5]. The use of semaglutide for weight loss was approved by the US FDA in 2021, and it is marketed under the brand name Wegovy [6].

The patent for the original approval of semaglutide for type 2 diabetes is set to expire in 2032, however, the patent for the approval of semaglutide for weight loss is set to expire in 2038 [7]. According to DrugPatentWatch.com, the patent expiration dates for semaglutide are listed as follows: semaglutide for type 2 diabetes (2032) and semaglutide for weight loss (2038) [8].

Sources:

[1] DrugPatentWatch.com - Semaglutide (https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/semaglutide)

[2] US FDA - Novo Nordisk's Rybelsus (semaglutide) - NDA #209444 (https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfdadocs/nda/2017/209444Orig1s000SumR.pdf)

[3] ClinicalTrials.gov - A Study to Evaluate the Safety and Efficacy of Semaglutide in Participants With Type 2 Diabetes (https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03635051)

[4] Drugs.com - Semaglutide Side Effects (https://www.drugs.com/side-effects/semaglutide.html)

[5] Lancet - Semaglutide versus placebo added to metformin and sulphonylurea in type 2 diabetes: a parallel-group, double-blind, randomised controlled trial (https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(18)32260-3/fulltext)

[6] US FDA - Novo Nordisk's Wegovy (semaglutide) - NDA #214654 (https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/nda/2021/214654Orig1s000TOC.cfm)

[7] DrugPatentWatch.com - Patented indications for Semaglutide (https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/semaglutide#patented-indications)

[8] DrugPatentWatch.com - Patent Expiration Dates for Semaglutide (https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/semaglutide#patent-expiration-dates)