Abstract
OBJECTIVES: This review assessed the selected information on semaglutide's activity, its potential for the treatment of various diseases, and its pharmacokinetics. It is intended as a guide for future research. Chromatographic procedures used for the determination of semaglutide in various biological samples were also reviewed. METHODS: A comprehensive review of the literature was conducted by searching scientific databases including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. The search was performed using keywords such as diabetic, type of diabetics, impact of diabetic glucagon-like peptide, DPP-4 inhibitors, GLP-1 agonists, semaglutide and weight loss, semaglutide and obesity, semaglutide and diabetic retinopathy, semalutide and mood, semaglutide and mood disorder, semaglutide and fertility, semaglutide and thyroid, semaglutide and inflammation, semaglutide and cardiovascular system, semaglutide and imapct on heart, semaglutide and neuroprotection, semaglutide and pancreatitis, safety of semaglutide, semaglutide and side effects, semaglutide and contraindication, and semaglutide analysis by liquid chromatography. RESULTS: Semaglutide is the most potent glucose-lowering glucagon-like peptide (GLP-1) analogue and is widely used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Semaglutide increases the secretion of insulin from pancreatic β-cells and supresses glucagon release from pancreatic α-cells. Due to its effects on appetite regulation, it is also used to treat obesity in many countries. However, due to the slimming properties of the drug, semaglutide is often abused by non-diabetics, non-obese individuals, and young people. Recently, numerous investigations have been conducted to better understand the mechanism of action, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of using semaglutide. It is also very important to develop sensitive and accurate methods for detecting this drug in various biological samples collected from patients. CONCLUSION: Semaglutide is increasingly used of for the treatment of type 2 diabetes; however, its misuse for weight loss is also increasing. Further research is required to confirm the benefits of using semaglutide and to optimize treatment strategies for diverse patient populations.