The Ozempic Drug
By Evelyn Lee
March 10, 2023
UPDATED 12:00 PM
[Photo credit: Today.com]
Ozempic is a medication used to treat type 2 diabetes. It belongs to the class of drugs known as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. This medication helps to lower blood sugar levels by stimulating insulin production in the body, reducing glucose production in the liver, and slowing down the rate at which food moves through the digestive tract. Since its approval by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2017, Ozempic has become increasingly popular due to its efficacy in managing blood sugar levels, its weight loss benefits, and weekly dosing. Over the years, the medication has undergone several developments to improve its efficacy and simplify its use.
In January 2022, the FDA approved a new indication for Ozempic. The medication is now approved to reduce the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events such as heart attack, stroke, and death in adults with type 2 diabetes and established cardiovascular disease. This approval was based on the results of a clinical trial involving over 10,000 adults with type 2 diabetes and established cardiovascular disease. The study found that Ozempic reduced the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events by 26% compared to the placebo. Another development with Ozempic is the approval of a new delivery device. The medication is now available in a prefilled pen device called the Ozempic Pen, which includes several features designed to make it easier for people to use; for example, a hidden needle, a dose indicator, and an autoinjector that automatically delivers the medication. The Ozempic Pen is also available in a half-dose option, which can be useful for people who need to adjust their dose or who have concerns about side effects.
A recent study published in Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism found that Ozempic may also have benefits for people with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The study, which involved 52 adults with NAFLD, found that Ozempic significantly reduced liver fat, inflammation, and fibrosis compared to the placebo. The researchers suggested that Ozempic may be a promising treatment for NAFLD, which is a common side effect of type 2 diabetes.
Through this, we see that Ozempic continues to evolve and improve, with new indications, delivery devices, and potential benefits.
References
Ozempic FDA approval for cardiovascular risk reduction:
Ozempic Pen information: https://www.ozempic.com/patient/ozempic-pen.html
Ozempic and NAFLD study: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/dom.14448