Semaglutide
Semaglutide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist available in subcutaneous injectable and oral formulations, approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and obesity. Clinical trial evidence demonstrates meaningful reductions in major adverse cardiovascular events, kidney disease progression, HbA1c, and body weight, with an established gastrointestinal adverse event profile. Emerging safety signals — including a potential association with non-arteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy and rare respiratory complications — warrant clinical vigilance.
44/67 claims verified by independent fact-checker.
10 claims pending coverage
- Evidence tier below threshold(6 claims)
- FDA prescribing-label data(3 claims)
- Source 929803ec (NLRP3 inhibition by VTX3232 in obese mice) studies a pharmacological NLRP3 inhibitor (VTX3232), not semaglutide. Attributing semaglutide's mechanism to NLRP3 inhibition based on this source is a claim-source mismatch. The source does not support the specific claim as written.(1 claim)
Pepteligence regenerates entries quarterly and when new high-tier evidence appears.
Quick facts
Suggested labs for this peptide class — educational reference only; not medical advice.
Official prescribing information
The following sections are reproduced from the FDA-approved prescribing information. This is the authoritative clinical record — not editorial content.
Approved use(s)
OZEMPIC is indicated: as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. to reduce the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (cardiovascular death, non-fatal myocardial infarction or non-fatal stroke) in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus…
Dosing & administration
Inspect OZEMPIC visually before use. It should appear clear and colorless. Do not use OZEMPIC if particulate matter and coloration is seen. Administer OZEMPIC once weekly, on the same day each week, at any time of the day, with or without meals. Inject OZEMPIC subcutaneously in the abdomen, thigh, o…
Warnings & precautions
In mice and rats, semaglutide caused a dose-dependent and treatment-duration-dependent increase in the incidence of thyroid C-cell tumors (adenomas and carcinomas) after lifetime exposure at clinically relevant plasma exposures. It is unknown whether OZEMPIC causes thyroid C-cell tumors, including M…
Contraindications
OZEMPIC is contraindicated in patients with: A personal or family history of MTC or in patients with MEN 2. [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.8 )] A serious hypersensitivity reaction to semaglutide or to any of the excipients in OZEMPIC. Serious hypersensitivity reactions including anaphylaxis and a…
Drug interactions
OZEMPIC stimulates insulin release in the presence of elevated blood glucose concentrations. Patients receiving OZEMPIC in combination with an insulin secretagogue (e.g., sulfonylurea) or insulin may have an increased risk of hypoglycemia, including severe hypoglycemia. 6 When initiating OZEMPIC, co…
Adverse reactions
The following serious adverse reactions are described below or elsewhere in the prescribing information: Risk of Thyroid C-cell Tumors 5.2) [see Warnings and Precautions (] Acute Pancreatitis Diabetic Retinopathy Complications Hypoglycemia with Concomitant Use of Insulin Secretagogues or Insulin Acu…
Source: FDA-approved prescribing information for Ozempic, last updated October 14, 2025. View original at DailyMed →
Approved use(s)
RYBELSUS and OZEMPIC tablets are indicated: as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. to reduce the risk of major adverse cardiovascular (CV) events (CV death, non-fatal myocardial infarction or non-fatal stroke) in adults with type 2 dia…
Dosing & administration
RYBELSUS and OZEMPIC tablets are not substitutable on a mg-to-mg basis. [see Clinical Pharmacology ( Take one RYBELSUS or OZEMPIC tablet orally once daily on an empty stomach in the morning with water (up to 4 ounces of water). Do not take RYBELSUS or OZEMPIC tablets with other liquids besides water…
Warnings & precautions
In mice and rats, semaglutide caused a dose-dependent and treatment-duration-dependent increase in the incidence of thyroid C-cell tumors (adenomas and carcinomas) after lifetime exposure at clinically relevant plasma exposures. It is unknown whether RYBELSUS and OZEMPIC tablets cause thyroid C-cell…
Contraindications
RYBELSUS and OZEMPIC tablets are contraindicated in patients with: A personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or in patients with Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2). A prior serious hypersensitivity reaction to semaglutide or to any of the excipients in RYBEL…
Drug interactions
Semaglutide stimulates insulin release in the presence of elevated blood glucose concentrations. Patients receiving RYBELSUS or OZEMPIC tablets in combination with an insulin secretagogue (e.g., sulfonylurea) or insulin may have an increased risk of hypoglycemia, including severe hypoglycemia. When…
Adverse reactions
The following serious adverse reactions are described below or elsewhere in the prescribing information: Risk of Thyroid C-cell Tumors Acute Pancreatitis Diabetic Retinopathy Complications Hypoglycemia with Concomitant Use of Insulin Secretagogues or Insulin Acute Kidney Injury Due to Volume Depleti…
Source: FDA-approved prescribing information for Rybelsus, last updated January 30, 2026. View original at DailyMed →
Approved use(s)
WEGOVY injection is indicated in combination with a reduced calorie diet and increased physical activity: WEGOVY tablets are indicated in combination with a reduced calorie diet and increased physical activity: Limitations of Use Concomitant use of WEGOVY (semaglutide) tablets or WEGOVY (semaglutide…
Dosing & administration
([see Warnings and Precautions)] In patients with diabetes mellitus, monitor blood glucose prior to starting WEGOVY and during WEGOVY treatment. Administer WEGOVY in combination with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. WEGOVY Injection WEGOVY Tablets Prior to initiation of WEGOVY…
Warnings & precautions
In mice and rats, semaglutide caused a dose-dependent and treatment-duration-dependent increase in the incidence of thyroid C-cell tumors (adenomas and carcinomas) after lifetime exposure at clinically relevant plasma exposures. It is unknown whether WEGOVY causes thyroid C-cell tumors, including MT…
Contraindications
WEGOVY is contraindicated in the following conditions: A personal or family history of MTC or in patients with MEN 2. A prior serious hypersensitivity reaction to semaglutide or to any of the excipients in WEGOVY injection or WEGOVY tablet. Serious hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis a…
Drug interactions
WEGOVY lowers blood glucose and can cause hypoglycemia. The risk of hypoglycemia is increased when WEGOVY is used concomitantly with insulin or insulin secretagogues (e.g., sulfonylureas). The addition of WEGOVY in patients treated with insulin has not been evaluated. When initiating WEGOVY, conside…
Adverse reactions
The following serious adverse reactions are described below or elsewhere in the prescribing information: Risk of Thyroid C-Cell Tumors Acute Pancreatitis Acute Gallbladder Disease Hypoglycemia Acute Kidney Injury Due to Volume Depletion Severe Gastrointestinal Adverse Reactions Hypersensitivity Reac…
Source: FDA-approved prescribing information for Wegovy, last updated March 19, 2026. View original at DailyMed →
TL;DR
- Half-life: 1 week — dosed —.
- Administered via multiple.
- Evidence base: randomised controlled trials.
- Primary goals: metabolic, weight-loss, fat-loss.
Randomised controlled trials
How it works
Semaglutide is a long-acting analogue of the endogenous incretin hormone GLP-1, engineered with a fatty acid side chain that enables albumin binding and prolongs half-life [16]. By binding GLP-1 receptors on pancreatic beta cells, it augments glucose-dependent insulin secretion and suppresses glucagon release, lowering postprandial and fasting glycemia [16]. Animal studies indicate semaglutide also improves insulin sensitivity and beta-cell identity independent of body weight effects [17]. Mechanistic data from mouse models points to differential cardiometabolic and hepatic effects mediated through endothelial and hematopoietic cell GLP-1 receptor expression [18]. In vitro evidence indicates semaglutide improves mitochondrial function and insulin sensitivity in muscle cells at pharmacokinetically attainable concentrations [19]. Animal studies suggest semaglutide reduces body weight, hyperglycemia, and hepatic steatosis partly through NLRP3 inflammasome inhibition [20]. Mechanistic data from T2DM models point to remodeling of adipose tissue through improved lipid handling, reduced inflammation, and enhanced mitochondrial function [21]. A systematic review of preclinical and mechanistic evidence suggests GLP-1 receptor agonists including semaglutide may target tau hyperphosphorylation and beta-amyloid accumulation relevant to Alzheimer's pathophysiology, though human randomized trial data in this indication are absent [13].
What the research says
Research summary content coming soon. Check the references section for indexed studies.
Protocol lifecycle
Before — Pre-cycle readiness
Readiness checklist
Medical history
Laboratory baseline
Lifestyle readiness
Prescriber and monitoring plan
- Prescribing clinician identified with appropriate prescribing authority
- Follow-up schedule established for HbA1c, weight, and adverse event monitoring [15]
- Patient informed of GI adverse event profile and discontinuation rates observed in real-world settings [4]
- Patient informed of observational NAION signal and instructed to report new visual symptoms [6]
- Assess baseline HbA1c, renal function, liver enzymes, and cardiovascular risk profile prior to initiation [15]
- Screen for personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2, as these represent contraindications for GLP-1 receptor agonist class [16]
- Evaluate for history of acute pancreatitis, as case reports document semaglutide-associated acute pancreatitis [7]
- Obtain ophthalmologic assessment if history of diabetic retinopathy or optic neuropathy is present, given mixed observational safety signal [6]
- Discuss lean mass preservation strategies including resistance exercise and adequate protein intake before starting therapy, as an RCT protocol (LEAN-PREP) is actively studying this [5]
During — Active protocol
- Monitor for gastrointestinal adverse events, particularly during dose escalation; real-world cohort data confirm dose-related discontinuation rates [4]
- Monitor HbA1c and fasting glucose at regular intervals; a Phase 3 RCT demonstrated non-inferiority of generic semaglutide on HbA1c reduction at 24 weeks [15]
- Monitor liver enzymes where hepatic steatosis or metabolic liver disease is a concern; preliminary open-label data report hepatic biomarker improvements over 24 weeks [9]
- Monitor for unexplained respiratory symptoms; a case report documented hypercapnia with respiratory acidosis in a semaglutide user [12]
- Monitor for visual changes; report new visual disturbances promptly given the observational NAION signal [6]
- Engage in resistance exercise and maintain adequate protein intake during therapy to mitigate lean mass loss, as formally studied in the LEAN-PREP trial protocol [5]
After — Post-cycle
- Long-term efficacy and safety data beyond 2 years of continuous semaglutide use are limited; the durability of cardiometabolic benefits after discontinuation has not been established in the available research packet
- Weight regain after discontinuation is a recognized class concern; an ongoing research focus examines body weight trajectory after stopping GLP-1 receptor agonist therapy [14]
- Continue monitoring cardiovascular and renal parameters after cessation, particularly in high-risk patients [1]
Stacks it appears in
Related peptides
Other compounds indexed on Pepteligence that share research tags with Semaglutide. Educational context only.
Safety
Common side effects
- ·Nausea — reported as a leading cause of dose-related discontinuation in real-world cohort data [4]
- ·Vomiting — documented with dose escalation in real-world and trial settings [4]
- ·Diarrhea — reported in real-world cohort and trial populations [4]
- ·Lean mass reduction — significant loss of lean body mass observed alongside fat mass loss during semaglutide therapy [5]
Rare side effects
- ·Acute pancreatitis — case reports document semaglutide-associated acute pancreatitis in patients with T2DM and additional risk factors [7]
- ·Hypercapnia with respiratory acidosis — documented in at least one case report of a patient without diabetes receiving semaglutide 1 mg weekly; mechanism remains unclear [12]
- Non-arteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy (NAION) — an observational safety signal links GLP-1 receptor agonists including semaglutide to NAION; a critical review of the evidence notes it remains mixed and confounded, and a definitive causal link has not been established [6]
- Acute pancreatitis (serious manifestation) — while documented as rare, pancreatitis carries potential for life-threatening complications and warrants prompt evaluation if abdominal pain develops [7]
Contraindications
- ·Personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma — GLP-1 receptor agonist class contraindication [16]
- ·Multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN2) — GLP-1 receptor agonist class contraindication [16]
- ·History of acute pancreatitis or pancreatitis-related episodes — case reports document semaglutide-associated acute pancreatitis [7]
- ·Unexplained severe respiratory symptoms or documented respiratory compromise — a case of hypercapnia with respiratory acidosis has been reported [12]
- ·History of non-arteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy (NAION) or recent optic/eye surgery — based on a mixed but present observational safety signal; evidence is not conclusive [6]
Community experiences
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Semaglutide — at a glance
| Property | Semaglutide | — |
|---|---|---|
| Half-life | 1 week | — |
| Route | multiple | — |
| Typical dose | 0.5-1mg/wk SC | — |
| Mechanism | Semaglutide is a long-acting analogue of the endogenous incretin hormone GLP-1, engineered with a fatty acid side chain that enables albumin binding and prolongs half-life. By binding GLP-1 receptors on pancreatic beta cells, it augments glucose-dependent insulin secretion and suppresses glucagon release, lowering postprandial and fasting glycemia. Animal studies indicate semaglutide also improves insulin sensitivity and beta-cell identity independent of body weight effects. Mechanistic data from mouse models points to differential cardiometabolic and hepatic effects mediated through endothelial and hematopoietic cell GLP-1 receptor expression. In vitro evidence indicates semaglutide improves mitochondrial function and insulin sensitivity in muscle cells at pharmacokinetically attainable concentrations. Animal studies suggest semaglutide reduces body weight, hyperglycemia, and hepatic steatosis partly through NLRP3 inflammasome inhibition. Mechanistic data from T2DM models point to remodeling of adipose tissue through improved lipid handling, reduced inflammation, and enhanced mitochondrial function. A systematic review of preclinical and mechanistic evidence suggests GLP-1 receptor agonists including semaglutide may target tau hyperphosphorylation and beta-amyloid accumulation relevant to Alzheimer's pathophysiology, though human randomized trial data in this indication are absent. | — |
| Evidence strength | rct | anecdotal |
| Primary goal | metabolic | — |
Frequently asked questions
What is semaglutide?
How does semaglutide work?
What is semaglutide FDA-approved for?
What are the brand names for semaglutide?
What is the typical dosage of semaglutide?
Is there an oral form of semaglutide?
How long until semaglutide starts working?
What are common side effects of semaglutide?
Who should not take semaglutide?
What does the cardiovascular research on semaglutide show?
Can semaglutide be combined with other compounds?
What is the difference between semaglutide and tirzepatide?
References
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Semaglutide: a key medication for managing cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic syndrome.
MacIsaac Richard J
Future cardiology · 2025 · PMID 40458885
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Glucagon-like peptide-1 and atrial fibrillation incidence: Associations independent of weight loss.
Palmisano Tiago, Verma Reeya, Guarraia David et al.
Heart rhythm · 2026 · PMID 42029362
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Clinical outcomes of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist therapy in kidney transplant recipients: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Kanbay Mehmet, Abdel-Rahman Sama Mahmoud, Guldan Mustafa et al.
Clinical kidney journal · 2026 · PMID 42017027
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Real-World Comparison of Short-Term Adverse Events, Treatment Persistence, and Efficacy of Semaglutide and Tirzepatide: A Nationwide Multicenter Study.
Hepşen Sema, Haymana Cem, Ertepe Küçükgöde Gizem et al.
Obesity facts · 2026 · PMID 42030208
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LEAN mass Preservation with Resistance Exercise and Protein during semaglutide and tirzepatide therapy (LEAN-PREP study): a protocol for a randomised controlled trial.
Alawadhi Ameenah A, Alroudhan Dherar, Alsaeed Dalal J et al.
BMJ open · 2026 · PMID 42020128
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Is There a Causal Link Between GLP-1 Receptor Agonists and Non-Arteritic Anterior Ischaemic Optic Neuropathy? A Critique of the Clinical Evidence.
Danesh-Meyer Helen V, Rizzo Joseph F
Clinical & experimental ophthalmology · 2026 · PMID 42020100
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Semaglutide-Associated Acute Pancreatitis in a Patient With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Case Report.
Puri Piyush, Akhavan Michael, Shadan Jonathan et al.
Cureus · 2026 · PMID 42017101
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Efficacy, Safety and PK of Once-Daily Oral Semaglutide 25 mg for Obesity With and Without Type 2 Diabetes in Comparison With Subcutaneous Semaglutide 2.4 mg: A Model-Informed Drug Development Approach.
Overgaard Rune Viig, Birkhan Oscar, Rathor Naveen et al.
Diabetes, obesity & metabolism · 2026 · PMID 42023428
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Liver benefits of early initiation of low-dose GLP-1 receptor agonists in newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes - A case report.
Lee Joyce Y, Nguyen Huy, Nguyen Tan
Journal of family medicine and primary care · 2026 · PMID 42023337
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Pilot study of epigenetic aging and treatment response to semaglutide in the SLIM LIVER study.
Corley Michael J, Pang Alina P S, Kitch Douglas W et al.
npj aging · 2026 · PMID 42014432
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Semaglutide Effects on Insulin Sensitivity and β-Cell Function in Patients With Schizophrenia, Prediabetes, and Obesity Treated With Second-Generation Antipsychotics: Findings From the HISTORI Trial, a 30-Week Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial With Semaglutide 1.0 mg Weekly.
Ganeshalingam Ashok A, Uhrenholt Nicolai, Arnfred Sidse et al.
Diabetes care · 2026 · PMID 41778920
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Unexplained hypercapnia with normal pulmonary evaluation in a patient receiving semaglutide: a diagnostic challenge.
Prasad Sai, Ahuja Aarushi, Katwa Laxmansa C et al.
JCEM case reports · 2026 · PMID 42027588
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The effects of GLP-1 receptor agonists on Alzheimer's pathophysiology: A systematic review.
Corcoran Eve, Kettlety Michael, Mogul Urwa et al.
Molecular and cellular neurosciences · 2026 · PMID 42014236
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Body image in the age of GLP-1s: Emerging questions for research and practice.
Craddock Nadia, Schneider Jekaterina
Body image · 2026 · PMID 42030632
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Efficacy and safety of semaglutide injection in Indian patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus inadequately controlled on metformin: a phase 3, randomized, active-controlled trial (SIZE-DM study).
Kapoor Nitin, Shaikh Shehla, Bhattacharya Saptarshi et al.
Cardiovascular diabetology. Endocrinology reports · 2026 · PMID 42026662
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Semaglutide for obesity management: A narrative review of efficacy, safety, and future directions.
Hajibandeh Saba, Tao Yen-An, Hsieh Ming-Hui et al.
Journal of the American Pharmacists Association : JAPhA · 2026 · PMID 42025961
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Effect of Weight-Neutral Treatment With Semaglutide or Tirzepatide on β-Cell Identity in db/db Mice.
Deng Zhaobin, Zheng Dongxu, Son Jinsook et al.
Acta physiologica (Oxford, England) · 2026 · PMID 41354136
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Differential importance of endothelial and hematopoietic cell GLP-1Rs for cardiometabolic versus hepatic actions of semaglutide.
McLean Brent A, Wong Chi Kin, Kaur Kiran Deep et al.
JCI insight · 2021 · PMID 34673572
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The effect of Semaglutide on mitochondrial function and insulin sensitivity in a myotube model of insulin resistance.
Spry Emmalie R, Travis Kipton B, Ragland Kayla J et al.
Molecular and cellular endocrinology · 2025 · PMID 40752656
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NLRP3 inhibition by VTX3232 tempers inflammation resulting in reduced body weight, hyperglycemia, and hepatic steatosis in obese male mice.
Bultinck Jennyfer, Yuan Shendong, Cantuti-Castelvetri Ludovico et al.
Molecular metabolism · 2026 · PMID 41242536
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Semaglutide-Mediated Remodeling of Adipose Tissue in Type 2 Diabetes: Molecular Mechanisms Beyond Glycemic Control.
Ábel Tatjana, Csobod Csajbókné Éva
International journal of molecular sciences · 2026 · PMID 41683613
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A feasibility study of the combination of intranasal insulin with oral semaglutide for cognition in older adults with metabolic syndrome at high dementia risk — Study rationale and design.
Davidy Tal, Yore Iscka, Cukierman-Yaffe Tali et al.
Mechanisms of ageing and development · 2024 · PMID 38159613
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Differential Effects of Semaglutide and Colchicine on Atrial Remodeling in Rats with Reduced Ejection Fraction after Myocardial Infarction.
Levi Or, Dalal Noam, Komissar Aviv et al.
Europace · 2026 · PMID 42015513
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Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists and Risk of Systemic and Ocular Vascular Complications in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes and Diabetic Retinopathy.
Shah Jui, Makwana Bhargav, Panchal Krisha et al.
American journal of ophthalmology · 2026 · PMID 42025665
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Weight loss as the optimal cardiometabolic management strategy for preventing and treating heart failure.
Costa Thomaz Alexandre, Vest Amanda R, Harrington Josephine
Current opinion in cardiology · 2026 · PMID 41802118
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Dermatological and metabolic benefits of semaglutide in psoriasis with obesity: a 6-month prospective cohort study.
Nicolau Joana, Nadal Antoni, Sanchís Pilar et al.
Clinical and experimental dermatology · 2026 · PMID 41137591
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GLP-1 Receptor Agonist Use and Wound Outcomes After Free Flap Breast Reconstruction.
Ha Joy, Lester Ethan, De May Henning et al.
Journal of reconstructive microsurgery · 2026 · PMID 42013898
View on PubMed →