INTRODUCTION: The glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) analogue semaglutide is approved as an oral formulation for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. This study aimed to confirm bioequivalence between a new, second-generation (2G) oral semaglutide formulation (1.5, 4 and 9 mg) and the initially approved first-generation (1G) formulation (3, 7 and 14 mg).
METHODS: This was a randomised, multicentre, open-label, full replicate crossover study to confirm bioequivalence between 2G and 1G oral semaglutide formulations at steady-state (SS) in healthy participants (NCT05227196). Participants were recruited to three groups. In each group, participants were randomised to one of two alternating sequences comparing once-daily oral semaglutide treatment of 9 and 14 mg (group 1), 4 and 7 mg (group 2) or 1.5 and 3 mg (group 3) at SS. Treatment duration was 20 weeks, comprising four 5-week steady-state periods on alternating formulations. Repeated 24-h blood sampling at the end of each steady-state period supported pharmacokinetic analysis. Co-primary endpoints were area under the semaglutide plasma concentration-time curve during a dosing interval at SS (AUC) and maximum semaglutide plasma concentration at SS (C). Bioequivalence for co-primary endpoints was assessed using European Medicines Agency (EMA), U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Japan Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency (PMDA) criteria. Safety was monitored.
RESULTS: A total of 222, 201 and 123 participants were recruited into groups 1, 2 and 3, respectively. The prespecified EMA, FDA and PMDA bioequivalence criteria were met for 2G versus 1G oral semaglutide for all three dose levels (1.5 vs 3 mg, 4 vs 7 mg and 9 vs 14 mg). The safety profile of 2G oral semaglutide was consistent with 1G oral semaglutide.
CONCLUSIONS: The 2G oral semaglutide formulation was confirmed as bioequivalent to 1G oral semaglutide, with no new safety concerns identified.
TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier, NCT05227196.