“An FDA-approved GLP-1 receptor agonist for type 2 diabetes and chronic weight management with robust cardiovascular benefits.”

Semaglutide binds to and activates GLP-1 receptors (GLP-1R), which are G protein-coupled receptors expressed in the pancreas, brain, heart, kidneys, and gastrointestinal tract. In the pancreas, GLP-1R activation stimulates glucose-dependent insulin secretion from beta cells and suppresses glucagon from alpha cells, improving glycemic control without causing hypoglycemia at normal glucose levels. In the hypothalamus and brainstem (particularly the arcuate nucleus and area postrema), GLP-1R activation reduces appetite and food intake by modulating neuropeptide Y (NPY), AgRP, and POMC signaling. Semaglutide also slows gastric emptying, prolonging satiety after meals. Its cardiovascular benefits appear to involve direct anti-inflammatory effects on arterial walls, reduction of oxidative stress, and improvement of endothelial function through GLP-1R signaling in cardiac and vascular tissue.