Semaglutide for treating type 2 diabetes in children and adolescents

Semaglutide is currently in clinical development for treating type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in children and adolescents when their condition is not being controlled with current treatments. T2DM is a chronic condition where the body’s cells become resistant to, or stop producing enough insulin, a hormone that helps to control the levels of glucose (sugar) in the blood. T2DM is increasingly seen in younger people who are at a much higher risk of developing diabetes complications such as heart disease or damage to the kidneys, eyes or nerves, compared to older adults. Some current treatment options for younger people have produced temporary therapeutic effect or the need for frequent dose adjustments which could result in poor adherence, hence the
need for more effective longer acting therapies for this age group.