Aplicações da semaglutida: revisão da literatura e suas perspectivas

Abstract

The present work addresses the theme of semaglutide, its characteristics, applications, and market projections, as it is a relatively new medication in the market with a primary focus on the treatment of Type II Diabetes Mellitus and obesity. In this context, the aim of this work was to gather information about Semaglutide, using a literature review to present concepts and market behavior in the face of its commercial expansion. Semaglutide is an anti-diabetic medication in the class of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, marketed by the Danish company Novo Nordisk A/S under the names Ozempic and Wegovy in the form of subcutaneous injections or as a tablet called Rybelsus. Based on an exploratory methodology, the results include a compilation of technical and scientific information, as well as data on the exponential growth in manufacturing and sales worldwide, positively influencing the Danish GDP and positioning the company as one of the main players in the industry globally. A notable fact was the massive promotion of these three medications on social media, a movement created by influencers and artists attributing "miraculous" results to these medications in combating obesity. This created a possible shift in focus from the primary purpose of the product, which is the fight against Diabetes Type II, obesity, and overweight, to a much more aesthetic context, as a mere "weight loss" product. This fueled the beauty industry and sparked an important debate about the limits of advertising and freedom of expression regarding the promotion of medications, as well as ethical issues in the commercialization and monopoly of the product, sold at high prices in Brazil within the economic reality of the country.