Real-World Clinical Experience of Subcutaneous Semaglutide in Public Hospital-Based Diabetes Care: A Retrospective Observational Study
https://doi.org/10.15605/jafes.041.S1
- Author:
Zanariah Hussein
1
;
Navin Kumar Loganadan
1
;
Subashini Rajoo
2
Author Information
1. Endocrine Institute Hospital Putrajaya
2. Hospital Kuala Lumpur
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- MeSH:
semaglutide;
Hospitals, Public;
Diabetes Mellitus
- From:
Journal of the ASEAN Federation of Endocrine Societies
2026;41(S1):38-39
- CountryPhilippines
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Introduction:Subcutaneous once-weekly semaglutide (Sema-OW) (0.5,
1.0 mg) has been available in Malaysia since 2020, but is
currently not listed in the MOH Medicines Formulary.
MOH clinicians prescribe Sema-OW for limited patient
numbers, on a “named patient basis” following a closely
regulated application process, permitting use once
multilevel approval is obtained. Our study aims to report
on the glycemic and weight-lowering outcomes of SemaOW in a real-world MOH clinical setting.
Methodology:A retrospective, single-arm, observational study was
conducted in Hospital Putrajaya and Hospital Kuala
Lumpur. The study population comprised adults with
type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) treated with Sema-OW
for at least 6 months with hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and
weight parameters available in their medical records. The
primary endpoint was HbA1c change at 6 months. The
secondary endpoints were the changes in HbA1c and
weight from baseline to 12 months, proportion of patients
achieving HbA1c <7%, and different levels of HbA1c
reduction in 6 and 12 months (<0.5, 0.5–<1.0, 1–<2, ≥2%).
Changes in concomitant glucose-lowering medications
were additionally observed.
Results:The cohort comprised 45 patients, with a mean age and
disease duration of 53.3 and 16.3 years, respectively.
Baseline mean weight was 100.3 kg, and body mass index
(BMI) was 36.8 kg/m², with 88% in the obese BMI category.
Baseline HbA1c was 7.9%, and HbA1c reduction was 0.74%
at 6 months and 0.84% at 12 months. The proportions of
patients achieving HbA1c reduction of <0.5, 0.5–<1.0, 1.0–
<2.0, and ≥2.0% were 8.9, 26.7, 26.7, and 8.9%, respectively.
The mean weight reduction from baseline was 4.93 kg at
6 months and 6.73 kg at 12 months. Concomitant insulin
therapy was observed in 44%, with 31% reduction in total
daily insulin requirement at the end of the study, along
with simplification of insulin regimens.
Conclusion:Combination therapy with Sema-OW improved glycemic
control with weight loss and enabled treatment deintensification in people with T2DM in Malaysian public tertiary
diabetes care.
- Full text:2026072908502183579EP_A036.pdf
