One of the most popular drugs in recent history may one day become less of a hassle. In new research published Saturday, French scientists have unveiled a new hydrogel form of semaglutide, the active ingredient in the diabetes and weight-loss drugs Ozempic and Wegovy. Scientists say extended-release versions should allow people to inject the drugs once a month, rather than once a week as currently required.
The research was conducted by scientists at French biotech company Adocia as part of the company’s overall goal to create innovative formulations of existing drugs to treat diabetes and obesity. The company has developed different versions of the insulin and is testing them in large-scale clinical trials. This gel-based formulation of semaglutide is designed to address one of the drug’s known limitations—its compliance rates.
In clinical trials, people taking semaglutide lost an average of 15% of their body weight, a level of success much higher than what is typically achieved through diet and/or exercise alone. So far, it appears to be generally safe and tolerable, although people often experience side effects such as nausea, diarrhea, and other gastrointestinal symptoms. But in studies examining real-world use, only about 40% of people who took the drug stayed on it for at least a year. Part of this decline may be related to the dosing regimen of semaglutide, which is once weekly for the injectable form and once daily for the oral pill form (sold as Rybelsus).
To create “Gelzepmic” (formally known as AdoGel® Sema), Adocia scientists mixed two degradable polymers together. The resulting gel was designed to release a limited amount of the drug first, then a steady release over the course of a month. Like the original formula, this gel should be injected under the skin.
The researchers found that in laboratory tests and in laboratory rats, gel-based semaglutide seemed to work as intended, with the drug slowly released over time. Importantly, the mice also showed no signs of inflammation, indicating that it was safely tolerated without increased toxicity. The team’s findings were presented this weekend at the annual meeting of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD).
“Glucagon-like peptide 1 agonist (GLP-1) drugs have transformed care for type 2 diabetes, but weekly injections can be burdensome for patients. Monthly injections can make life easier for patients with diabetes or obesity It is easier to adhere to medication regimens, improve quality of life and reduce side effects and diabetes complications,” lead researcher and Adocia scientist Claire Mégret said in a statement. European Sustainable Development Agency.
Maigret and her team next plan to test the gel in pigs, whose skin and endocrine systems are more similar to humans. If these tests are successful, human trials could begin within the next few years. The company is also working on developing its own oral version of semaglutide, which early results show is more easily absorbed by the body than Rybelsus, the only oral drug currently available.
