Semaglutide Nasal Spray? What We Know So Far

What Is Semaglutide Nasal Spray?

Semaglutide nasal spray is an experimental form of GLP-1 therapy that would aim to deliver semaglutide through the nasal passage rather than by injection or oral tablet.

The goal of experimental nasal spray formulations is to provide a needle-free delivery method; however, their effectiveness for weight management or blood sugar control has not been evaluated in human clinical trials.

Unlike FDA-approved injectable or oral GLP-1 medications, the nasal spray version has not been approved. This article simply discusses the possibility of this option. 

‍

How Semaglutide Works

Semaglutide belongs to a class of medications known as GLP-1 receptor agonists. These medications may support weight management and blood sugar control by:

• Increasing insulin secretion when blood sugar levels are elevated
• Reducing glucagon, a hormone that raises blood sugar
• Delaying gastric emptying
• Suppressing appetite

These effects have been studied in FDA-approved injectable GLP-1 therapies; their relevance to nasal delivery remains unknown due to a lack of human clinical data.

Currently, most GLP-1 medications such as Ozempic®, which is only approved for management of T2 diabetes and WeGovy®, which is approved for weight loss are administered as once-weekly injections. Oral options, such as Rybelsus®, are available but require specific timing for proper absorption.

‍

Potential Advantages of Nasal Delivery

A nasal spray version of semaglutide may offer several theoretical benefits, particularly for individuals who prefer to avoid injections:

• Needle-free application for those who are averse to injectable treatments
• Convenience and ease of use in everyday settings or while traveling
• Theoretical potential for faster absorption via nasal mucosa, though this has not been confirmed in human trials.
• Possible central nervous system effects due to nasal-to-brain delivery pathways

All potential benefits listed are theoretical and have not been demonstrated in peer-reviewed human studies.

‍

Is It Effective? What Research Says

Semaglutide nasal spray remains in early-stage development, and available data come primarily from preclinical research involving animal models or laboratory testing.

One preclinical study by MetP Pharma AG suggested that its BrainDos™ delivery technology may support nasal-to-brain absorption. However, there are no published human clinical trials evaluating the safety or effectiveness of semaglutide nasal spray for weight management or blood sugar control. 

Eden is not affiliated with MetP Pharma AG or any manufacturer of semaglutide nasal formulations. This article is simply to discuss the conversation around this experimental form of semaglutide.

By contrast, FDA-approved injectable GLP-1 medications have been studied in large-scale clinical trials and have shown meaningful reductions in weight and improvements in metabolic markers. These results apply only to the injectable or oral versions that have undergone FDA review.

There is currently no evidence to suggest that nasal semaglutide would produce comparable outcomes. Further research, including human clinical trials, is required to evaluate the safety, absorption, and effectiveness of nasal delivery methods.

‍

Safety and Side Effects

FDA-approved GLP-1 receptor agonists, including injectable semaglutide, have known side effects such as nausea, bloating, and fatigue. However, semaglutide nasal spray has not been studied in humans, and its safety profile is unknown. In clinical studies of FDA-approved injectable GLP-1 medications, the most commonly reported side effects include:

• Nausea, bloating, or diarrhea
• Occasional headaches or fatigue
• Rare but serious effects such as pancreatitis or gallbladder issues
• These side effects have not been evaluated in relation to nasal spray formulations.

Because semaglutide nasal spray has not been studied in human clinical trials, its specific safety profile remains unknown. Differences in how the medication is delivered and absorbed through the nasal passage may result in unique risks that are not yet well understood.

Individuals should speak with a licensed healthcare provider before using any investigational or unapproved semaglutide product.

‍

Nasal vs Injectable vs Oral GLP-1

‍

‍

Disclaimer: Nasal spray semaglutide is investigational and not approved by the FDA. The characteristics listed are based on preclinical findings and have not been evaluated in human clinical trials. Comparisons to FDA-approved products are for educational purposes only.

‍

Final Thoughts

Semaglutide nasal spray is being explored as a potential needle-free method of GLP-1 delivery. However, there are key considerations:

• It is not approved by the FDA
• Its safety and effectiveness have not been evaluated in human clinical trials
• Outcomes may differ significantly from injectable or oral formulations due to differences in absorption and delivery method

For individuals exploring GLP-1 medications as part of a care plan, FDA-approved injectable options currently provide the most robust clinical evidence and regulatory oversight. Please consult with your licensed healthcare provider to determine whether GLP-1 medications are an option for your health.

‍