Semaglutide is a long-acting formulation developed based on the basic structure of liraglutide and is used to treat type 2 diabetes. Therefore, it is primarily used in the pharmaceutical field and clinical research.

Specific applications include the treatment of type 2 diabetes, weight management, and cardiovascular disease. Oral semaglutide tablets (trade name Rybelsus®/Novozymes®) have been approved in the EU for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Based on the SOUL clinical trial, it reduced the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) by 14% in relevant patients. Semaglutide 2.4 mg injection (trade name Wegovy®/Novozymes®) has been approved in the EU and the US for long-term weight management in obese or overweight adults. Based on the SELECT clinical trial, once-weekly subcutaneous injection of semaglutide 2.4 mg reduced the risk of MACE in obese or overweight patients with diagnosed atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) and improved outcomes in patients with heart failure. Wegovy®'s product label in the EU includes data on its ability to improve symptoms and physical function in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) and reduce knee osteoarthritis pain; in the US, its indications also include the treatment of adult patients with metabolic-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) with moderate to severe liver fibrosis who do not have cirrhosis.