See the DrugPatentWatch profile for ozempic

Ozempic, also known as semaglutide, is a medication used to treat type 2 diabetes. It is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist, which means it mimics the action of a natural hormone in the body that helps regulate blood sugar levels.

Before meals, Ozempic works by slowing down the absorption of glucose from the gut into the bloodstream. This is achieved through several mechanisms:

1. Reduced gastric emptying: Ozempic slows down the movement of food from the stomach to the small intestine, allowing for a more gradual release of glucose into the bloodstream [1]. This reduces the peak blood glucose levels that occur after a meal.
2. Increased insulin secretion: Ozempic stimulates the release of insulin from the pancreas, which helps to lower blood glucose levels [2]. Insulin binds to insulin receptors on the surface of cells, allowing glucose to enter the cells and reducing blood glucose levels.
3. Reduced glucagon secretion: Ozempic also reduces the release of glucagon, a hormone that raises blood glucose levels. By reducing glucagon secretion, Ozempic helps to lower blood glucose levels [3].
4. Increased GLP-1 receptor activation: Ozempic binds to GLP-1 receptors on the surface of pancreatic beta cells, which stimulates the release of insulin and inhibits the release of glucagon [4].

Overall, Ozempic's mechanisms of action before meals help to reduce blood glucose levels by slowing down gastric emptying, increasing insulin secretion, reducing glucagon secretion, and activating GLP-1 receptors.

Sources:

[1] Novo Nordisk. (2020). Ozempic (semaglutide) injection 2 mg/mL. Retrieved from <https://www.novonordisk.com/content/dam/forms/ozempic- product-information.pdf>

[2] American Diabetes Association. (2020). GLP-1 receptor agonists. Retrieved from <https://www.diabetes.org/diabetes/medications/glucagon-like-peptide-1-receptor-agonists>

[3] DrugPatentWatch.com. (2020). Semaglutide (Ozempic). Retrieved from <https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/patent/US-9,355,136>

[4] European Medicines Agency. (2020). Ozempic (semaglutide). Retrieved from <https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/medicines/human/EPAR/ozempic>

Note: The sources cited are a combination of official pharmaceutical company information, reputable medical organizations, and patent databases.