Weight-Reduction and Safety Profile of Once-Weekly Non-Comparable Biotherapeutic Subcutaneous Semaglutide Among...

Semaglutide, a once-weekly injectable glucagon-like peptide, showed double-digit weight reduction with an acceptable safety profile in clinical trials and real-world studies. The efficacy and safety of non-comparable biotherapeutic (NCB) semaglutide are not adequately reported. Our study aimed to assess the weight reduction and adverse effects of an NCB semaglutide in a real-world setting.

This retrospective observational study conducted at three urban private practice settings collected data from an electronic record of 87 people with obesity [age (years): 32.2 ± 11.6, BMI (kg/m²): 34.4 ± 4.3, mean ± SD, Female 73(83.9%)] between 7 February 2023 and 31 December 2024 treated with variable doses and durations of NCB semaglutide. The dose, the number of injections administered between visits, weight, side effects, the decision regarding dosing, and patient compliance were recorded at each follow-up.

The maximum prescribed doses of NCB semaglutide were 0.5 mg per week in 65 (74.7%) of participants, followed by 1.0 mg and 1.7 mg per week in 17 (19.5%) and 5 (5.7%) participants, respectively. Considering available participants of all visits (n = 192), 28 (14.6%) participants were lost to follow-up, NCB semaglutide was ongoing in 32 (16.7%), 23 (12.0%) patients discontinued NCB semaglutide, and one patient died. The mean weight loss was 6.9% and 13.3% at 12 and 24 weeks of follow-up, respectively. The frequency of reported any side effects and major adverse effects was 59.4% and 9.9%, respectively.

A locally available NCB semaglutide in an uncontrolled, real-world setting showed acceptable weight loss and safety profiles among people with obesity.