DEFINITION
Oral Semaglutide is a tablet formulation of the same Semaglutide peptide used in Ozempic and Wegovy, co-formulated with the absorption enhancer SNAC (sodium N-[8-(2-hydroxybenzoyl)amino]caprylate).
SNAC transiently raises local pH in the stomach, protects the peptide from pepsin and increases membrane permeability enough to allow absorption of a small but pharmacologically sufficient fraction of the dose. Oral Semaglutide is marketed as Rybelsus and is administered once daily.
WHY IT MATTERS
Oral Semaglutide is the first successful oral GLP-1 receptor agonist and a proof of principle for peptide oral delivery.
RELATED
Compounds
Glossary