Semaglutide: Heart of the Matter (SUSTAIN-6 and PIONEER-6)

Abstract

T2 diabetes has long been recognised as a major and exponentially growing global public health concern. Asia is no exception. Cardiovascular adverse events remain the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in T2 diabetics. There is an urgent need for effective therapies to improve cardiovascular outcomes and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists. Semaglutide is a potent glucagon-like peptide-1 analogue with the exclusive advantage of being available in both subcutaneous and oral formulations. The cardiovascular safety of each of these formulations was assessed in the SUSTAIN-6 and PIONEER-6 trials and the observed benefits has led to the approval of both the subcutaneous and oral formulations as an adjunct to diet and lifestyle measures in high-risk patients with Type 2 diabetes.