By: IPP Bureau
Last updated : January 20, 2022 4:17 pm
Oral semaglutide is a co-formulation of GLP-1RA semaglutide with an absorption enhancer SNAC which protects semaglutide from undergoing degradation in the stomach
With a focus on innovating products that improve patients’ lives, Novo Nordisk India launched the world’s first and only “peptide in a pill”, oral semaglutide, which the company said is a game changer in diabetes management.
Semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor analogue (GLP-1 RA) – one of the drug classes to treat diabetes, till now was available only in the form of injections. This is the first time a GLP-1 RA has been developed in an oral formulation. India is among the six countries worldwide where the drug has been introduced.
Oral semaglutide is a co-formulation of GLP-1RA semaglutide with an absorption enhancer SNAC which protects semaglutide from undergoing degradation in the stomach like other peptides and enhances its absorption.
It has undergone 10 rigorous Phase 3a clinical trials called PIONEER, across several countries including India. The completed and ongoing global trials with oral semaglutide includes more than 10,000 patients of which more than 1,000 participants are from India. In addition to the unprecedented glycemic control, oral semaglutide demonstrated unsurpassed weight loss and consistent cardiovascular safety in clinical trials. Oral semaglutide has been approved by the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) in 2020.
Speaking at the launch, Vikrant Shrotriya, Corporate Vice President and Managing Director, Novo Nordisk India, said “We are extremely proud and elated to launch oral semaglutide in India. With a strong clinical profile, we believe, it has the potential to revolutionise the treatment of type 2 diabetes, given that millions of people do not achieve the targeted blood sugar levels with currently available oral antidiabetic medications.
Later, Shrotriya added that the per month cost for the medication is Rs 10,000. However, he added that the benefits far outweigh the costs.
Dr. Shashank Joshi, Chair IDF Southeast Asia and Consultant Endocrinologist at Lilavati Hospital, Bhatia Hospital & Joshi Clinic, Mumbai said, "Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) is a naturally occurring hormone and plays an important role in maintaining the normal level of glucose in the blood. Peptide and protein-based biological medicines are typically very effective, their only drawback being delivered as injectables. This can be a barrier to optimal diabetes management, as many people prefer pills over injections. Oral semaglutide represents a game changing innovation for both patients and HCPs in the field of diabetes, with the ease of oral administration combined with the benefits of a GLP-1 RA. It delivers unprecedented HbA1c control and unsurpassed weight loss, with a well-established safety profile consistent with the GLP-1 RA class.”
Dr. Vinay Kumar Bahl, Principal Director, Cardiology, Max Hospital, Delhi said, "When diabetes is undetected and inadequately treated, patients are at higher risk of serious and life-threatening complications, such as heart attack, stroke, kidney failure, blindness, and lower-limb amputation. These complications result in reduced quality of life and impose higher healthcare costs.10 The actions of GLP-1RAs go beyond their effects on blood sugar and body weight, also proven to be beneficial to the cardiovascular system.”
Dr. V Mohan, Chairman, Dr. Mohan's Diabetes Specialities Centre, Chennai said, "People with diabetes and obesity are at increased risk of Covid-19 related complications and mortality. Availability of a drug which can improve both blood glucose and body weight, will be like hitting two targets with one arrow. Having such a unique molecule will be a boon for people with diabetes, especially during the pandemic.”