Can a substantial weight loss in East Asian adults with overweight or obesity and type 2 diabetes (T2D) is [possible through oral formulation? Probably yes. A high-dose oral formulation of semaglutide (50 mg) has been reported to cause substantial weight loss in East Asian adults with overweight or obesity, including those with type 2 diabetes (T2D), in the phase 3a OASIS 2 trial.

The 68-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled study involved 201 adults. About 25% of participants had T2D at baseline. Participants were randomized 2:1 to receive once-daily oral semaglutide or placebo. The findings were published in JAMA Internal Medicine.

By week 68, the mean body weight reduction with semaglutide was 14.3%, compared with 1.3% with placebo (estimated treatment difference of 13.07 percentage points). More than 84% of semaglutide recipients achieved at least 5% weight loss, versus 17% of placebo recipients (odds ratio, 23.00; P < .001).

Gastrointestinal events, like nausea and diarrhea, were the most common adverse events (63% vs 35%). Treatment discontinuation because of side effects occurred in 4.5% of semaglutide users.