Semaglutide
Also known as: Ozempic, Wegovy, Rybelsus
Molecular Identifiers
Molecular Formula
C187H291N45O59
CAS Number
910463-68-2
PubChem CID
56843331Molecular Weight
4113.58 Da
Overview
Long-acting GLP-1 receptor agonist, with a molecular weight of approximately 4,113.58 Da. Human GLP-1 analog with 94% homology, modified with a C-18 fatty acid for albumin binding and an extended half-life of approximately 7 days.
Approved by the FDA as Ozempic (2017) and Rybelsus (2019) for type 2 diabetes, and as Wegovy (2021) for chronic weight management in adults with BMI ≥30 or ≥27 with comorbidities.
Semaglutide is today the clinical reference in GLP-1 receptor agonism for type 2 diabetes and obesity. It increases glucose-dependent insulin secretion, suppresses glucagon in hyperglycemia, delays gastric emptying, and reduces appetite via hypothalamic signaling. In obesity, the 2.4 mg/week dose produces an average 12-17% body weight loss over 68 weeks, with cardiovascular benefits demonstrated in outcome trials.
It is FDA-approved as Ozempic (2017) and oral Rybelsus (2019) for type 2 diabetes and as Wegovy (2021) for obesity with BMI ≥30 (or ≥27 with comorbidities). It is prescribed by endocrinologists in pre-filled pens, with mandatory escalation every 4 weeks (0.25 → 0.5 → 1.0 → 1.7 → 2.4 mg) to contain gastrointestinal effects. A significant share of current use is off-label for weight loss at BMI below the approved threshold.
It was developed by Novo Nordisk from liraglutide (a once-daily GLP-1 analog), replacing the amino acid at position 2 with Aib and adding a C18 fatty acid chain with spacers for reversible albumin binding — modifications that extended the half-life from hours to about 7 days.
In the incretin mimetic space, it is the reference pure GLP-1 agonist: compared with tirzepatide (dual GLP-1/GIP) and retatrutide (triple GLP-1/GIP/ glucagon), it delivers smaller average weight loss in head-to-head trials, but has the largest body of long-term evidence, with demonstrated cardiovascular and renal outcomes and broad regulatory availability that the multi-receptor analogs do not yet match.
HXEGTFTSDVSSYLEGQAAKEFIAWLVKGRG His-Aib-Glu-Gly-Thr-Phe-Thr-Ser-Asp-Val-Ser-Ser-Tyr-Leu-Glu-Gly-Gln-Ala-Ala-Lys(γGlu-miniPEG-miniPEG-γGlu-C18diacid)-Glu-Phe-Ile-Ala-Trp-Leu-Val-Lys-Gly-Arg-Gly Modified peptide — 31-amino acid GLP-1 base with Aib substitution and conjugated C18 fatty acid
Half-life
~7 days
Administration Route
Subcutaneous or oral
Category
Metabolic & Fat Loss
Mechanism of Action
- GLP-1 receptor agonism (increased glucose-dependent insulin secretion)
- Suppression of glucagon secretion in hyperglycemia
- Delayed gastric emptying
- Appetite reduction via central hypothalamic signaling
- Improved insulin sensitivity and beta cell function
Dosage Protocol
Data compiled from the literature. This does not constitute medical advice.
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Dose | 0.25-2.4 mg per week (subcutaneous) |
| Frequency | Once per week |
| Timing | Same day and time each week, regardless of meals |
| Duration | Continuous use (with gradual escalation in the first weeks) |
Reported Side Effects
Adverse effects described in the literature. Severity and frequency vary between individuals.
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Abdominal pain
- Headache
Product Properties
| Purity | >98% |
| Appearance | White lyophilized powder |
| Solubility | Soluble in water and bacteriostatic water |
| Source | Recombinant DNA technology with chemical modification (fatty acid acylation) |
| Storage | Unused: 2-8°C for up to 2 years. In-use: room temperature (up to 30°C) or 2-8°C for up to 56 days. Do not freeze. Protect from light. |
Presentations & Preparation
Vials of Semaglutide found in the research market:
Reconstitution
- Diluent: Bacteriostatic water
- Volume: 1 ml per vial
- Inject the diluent slowly against the vial wall
- Gently swirl until completely dissolved — never shake
- Escalation every 4 weeks (0.25 → 0.5 → 1.0 → 1.7 → 2.4 mg)
Storage
- Lyophilized: Refrigerated 2-8°C
- Reconstituted: Refrigerated 2-8°C (up to 30 days)
- Protect from direct light
- Do not freeze after reconstitution
- Pre-filled pens must be refrigerated and used within 56 days after first use
Scientific Studies
Published studies on Semaglutide.
Phase 3 Trial of Semaglutide in Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatohepatitis
Sanyal AJ, Newsome PN, Kliers I, Østergaard LH, Long MT, Kjær MS, Cali AMG, Bugianesi E, Rinella ME, Roden M, Ratziu V, et al.
Semaglutide in Patients with Obesity-Related Heart Failure and Type 2 Diabetes
Kosiborod MN, Petrie MC, Borlaug BA, Butler J, Davies MJ, Hovingh GK, Kitzman DW, Lindegaard ML, Møller DV, Treppendahl MB, Verma S, et al.
Effects of Semaglutide on Chronic Kidney Disease in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes
Perkovic V, Tuttle KR, Rossing P, Mahaffey KW, Mann JFE, Bakris G, et al.
Semaglutide and Cardiovascular Outcomes in Obesity without Diabetes
Lincoff AM, Brown-Frandsen K, Colhoun HM, Deanfield J, Emerson SS, Esber S, et al.
Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity
Wilding JPH, Batterham RL, Calanna S, Davies M, Van Gaal LF, Lingvay I, et al.
Semaglutide and Cardiovascular Outcomes in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes
Marso SP, Bain SC, Consoli A, Eliaschewitz FG, Jodar E, Leiter LA, et al.
Related Peptides
5-Amino-1MQ
50 mg per capsule · 1-2 times daily
Adipotide
0.03 mg/kg body weight (Phase 1 trial starting dose) · Once daily
AICAR
0.1 mg/kg/min by intravenous infusion (CABG trial dose) · Single continuous infusion
AOD 9604
300-600 mcg per injection · Once daily
Cagrilintide
1.2-4.5 mg per week (subcutaneous) · Once weekly
Dulaglutide
0.75-4.5 mg per week (subcutaneous) · Once weekly