Romanian Society of Pharmaceutical Sciences

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THE NEWEST THERAPEUTICALLY APPROACH OF “DIABESITY” USING GLP-1 RA MOLECULES: IMPACT OF THE ORAL FORMULATION

MARIANA CORNELIA TILINCA 1,2#, CSILLA ANTAL 2#, ALINA BALINT 3#, ANDREEA SĂLCUDEAN 4*, ANDREEA VARGA 5

1Department of Internal Medicine I, “George Emil Palade” University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science, and Technology of Târgu Mureș, 540142, Romania
2Department of Diabetology, Emergency County Hospital of Târgu Mureș, 540042, Romania
3Department of Analytical Chemistry and Drug Analysis “George Emil Palade” University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science, and Technology of Târgu Mureș, 540142, Romania
4Department of Ethics and Social Sciences, “George Emil Palade” University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science, and
Technology of Târgu Mureș, 540142, Romania
5Department of Family Medicine, “George Emil Palade” University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science, and Technology of Târgu Mureș, 540142, Romania

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Co-existing diabetes and obesity, frequently described by the term “diabesity”, is a major health problem associated with increased long-term complications and mortality. The management of “diabesity” could be challenging, because several antidiabetic drugs cause weight gain. Glucagon-like peptide receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) have been demonstrated to be effective agents for achieving glycaemic control in addition to reducing body weight in patients with type 2 diabetes. Oral semaglutide, the first oral formulation of a GLP-1 RA, is an important therapeutic option for individuals with a preference for oral therapy. This medication was created by co-formulating the semaglutide molecule with an absorption enhancer (SNAC) to overcome the difficulties of oral peptide administration. The introduction of an oral GLP-1 RA broadens the therapeutic choices for patients and represents an important milestone in the management of “diabesity”.