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Semaglutide

Ozempic · Wegovy · Rybelsus

Metabolic & WeightApproved

MW: 4114g/mol
Formula: C187H291N45O59

Semaglutide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist derived from a naturally occurring hormone, designed to enhance glucose-dependent insulin secretion. Researchers primarily study semaglutide for its potential benefits in managing type 2 diabetes and obesity. Key findings from clinical trials indicate that semaglutide significantly reduces glycated hemoglobin levels and promotes weight loss compared to placebo, with some studies suggesting superior outcomes when compared to other agents like tirzepatide. Current research continues to explore its safety profile, efficacy in diverse populations, and potential applications in weight management beyond diabetes.

Chemical Profile

Chemical Structure

Formula	C187H291N45O59
Molecular Weight	4114 g/mol
CAS Number	910463-68-2
PubChem CID	56843331

Half-Life

SCSubcutaneous

~7 days

INIntranasal

Not applicable

POOral

Poor bioavailability

The long half-life supports once-weekly dosing for subcutaneous administration.

Mechanism

Mechanism of Action

Semaglutide acts as a selective agonist for the glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor, activating the cAMP/PKA signaling pathway, which enhances insulin secretion in a glucose-dependent manner while inhibiting glucagon release. This mechanism promotes improved glycemic control and facilitates weight loss through appetite suppression and increased satiety, primarily by modulating neuronal pathways in the hypothalamus. Although the full extent of its biological effects and signaling interactions is still being elucidated, its primary actions are well characterized within these pathways.

Research

67 Research Publications

7,228

Total Citations

Human/RCT

9.9

Avg. Influence

2025

Latest

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01Top

#01

Semaglutide versus dulaglutide once weekly in patients with type 2 diabetes (SUSTAIN 7): a randomised, open-label, phase 3b trial.

Pratley Richard E, et al. · The lancet. Diabetes & endocrinology · 2018

HumanInfluence47.0

676

Researchers observed that semaglutide was superior to dulaglutide in improving glycemic control and reducing body weight in human patients with type 2 diabetes.

Key findings

01Semaglutide was superior to dulaglutide in improving glycemic control.
02Patients using semaglutide experienced greater weight loss compared to those on dulaglutide.
03Both medications had a similar safety profile during the trial.

1 mgsubcutaneous(human)40 weeks2.4 mgsubcutaneous(human)68 weeks0.5 mgsubcutaneous(human)40 weeks1.0 mgsubcutaneous(human)40 weeks14 mgoral(human)not mentioned0.5 mgsubcutaneous(human)30 weeks1.0 mgsubcutaneous(human)30 weeks2.0 mgsubcutaneous(human)56 weeks2.4 mgsubcutaneous(human)not mentioned

PubMed

02Top

#02

Semaglutide lowers body weight in rodents via distributed neural pathways.

Gabery Sanaz, et al. · JCI insight · 2020

HumanInfluence33.0

549

Researchers found that semaglutide, a medication used for diabetes, can lower body weight in rodents by influencing brain pathways related to food intake and preference. The study observed that semaglutide activates specific brain areas without crossing the blood-brain barrier, leading to reduced food consumption without affecting energy expenditure.

Key findings

01Semaglutide modulated food preferences and reduced food intake in rodents.
02The medication accessed various brain regions involved in appetite control without crossing the blood-brain barrier.
03Activation of certain brain pathways suggests that semaglutide influences how meals are terminated.

PubMed

03Top

#03

Advances in oral peptide therapeutics.

ReviewInfluence15.0

538

The study demonstrated that oral semaglutide has been successfully developed as a peptide therapeutic for human patients, overcoming significant delivery barriers.

PubMed

#04

Efficacy and Safety of Once-Weekly Semaglutide Versus Exenatide ER in Subjects With Type 2 Diabetes (SUSTAIN 3): A 56-Week, Open-Label, Randomized Clinical Trial.

Ahmann Andrew J, et al. · Diabetes care · 2018

HumanInfluence22.0

503

Researchers observed that semaglutide 1.0 mg significantly improved glycemic control and reduced body weight compared to exenatide ER 2.0 mg in subjects with type 2 diabetes over 56 weeks.

Key findings

01Semaglutide was superior to exenatide in improving glycemic control after 56 weeks.
02Participants using semaglutide experienced greater weight loss compared to those using exenatide.
03Both medications had comparable safety profiles throughout the study.

PubMed

#05

Semaglutide Added to Basal Insulin in Type 2 Diabetes (SUSTAIN 5): A Randomized, Controlled Trial.

HumanInfluence29.0

360

The study demonstrated that semaglutide significantly reduced HbA1c and body weight compared to placebo when added to basal insulin in human patients with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes.

PubMed

#06

Efficacy and safety of once-weekly semaglutide versus once-daily insulin glargine as add-on to metformin (with or without sulfonylureas) in insulin-naive patients with type 2 diabetes (SUSTAIN 4): a randomised, open-label, parallel-group, multicentre, multinational, phase 3a trial.

HumanInfluence19.0

338

The study demonstrated that semaglutide significantly reduced HbA1c and body weight compared to insulin glargine in insulin-naive patients with type 2 diabetes, with a favorable safety profile.

PubMed

#07

Safety of Semaglutide.

Smits Mark M & Van Raalte Daniël H · Frontiers in endocrinology · 2021

ReviewInfluence17.0

298

Researchers observed that semaglutide primarily causes mild-to-moderate gastrointestinal disturbances and has a favorable safety profile similar to other GLP-1 receptor agonists in human patients.

Key findings

01Researchers observed that semaglutide primarily causes mild to moderate gastrointestinal disturbances.
02The review noted an increased risk of gallbladder disease, but no unexpected safety issues were identified.
03Researchers found that the safety profile of semaglutide is similar to other medications in its class, with careful monitoring recommended for certain patients.

PubMed

#08

Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor co-agonists for treating metabolic disease.

ReviewInfluence7.0

249

Researchers observed that next-generation therapies combining GLP-1 receptor agonists with other peptides may enhance efficacy in treating metabolic diseases compared to GLP-1 receptor agonists alone.

1 mgsubcutaneous(human)40 weeks2.4 mgsubcutaneous(human)72 weeks14 mgoral(human)varied0.5 mgsubcutaneous(human)30 weeks1.0 mgsubcutaneous(human)30 weeks2.4 mgsubcutaneous(human)32 weeks

PubMed

#09

Central and peripheral GLP-1 systems independently suppress eating.

AnimalInfluence17.0

233

The study demonstrated that central and peripheral GLP-1 systems independently suppress eating, providing insights into potential obesity treatment strategies.

PubMed

#10

Semaglutide once a week in adults with overweight or obesity, with or without type 2 diabetes in an east Asian population (STEP 6): a randomised, double-blind, double-dummy, placebo-controlled, phase 3a trial.

Kadowaki Takashi, et al. · The lancet. Diabetes & endocrinology · 2022

HumanInfluence24.0

226

Researchers studied the effects of semaglutide, a weight management medication, in adults from East Asia with obesity, with or without type 2 diabetes. They found that those taking semaglutide experienced significant weight loss and reductions in abdominal fat compared to those receiving a placebo.

Key findings

01Participants taking semaglutide 2.4 mg lost an average of 13.2% of their body weight over 68 weeks, compared to just 2.1% in the placebo group.
02A higher percentage of participants on semaglutide achieved at least a 5% reduction in body weight compared to those on placebo.
03Semaglutide also led to a significant reduction in abdominal visceral fat, with a 40% decrease in the 2.4 mg group versus 6.9% in the placebo group.

PubMed

Safety

Safety & Handling

Research Gaps

The long-term effects of semaglutide on weight maintenance and its impact on obesity-related comorbidities remain unclear, particularly in diverse populations. Additionally, the mechanisms underlying the differential weight loss outcomes between semaglutide and tirzepatide have not been fully elucidated, warranting further investigation.

Solubility

Semaglutide is soluble in water and exhibits limited solubility in organic solvents such as acetonitrile and DMSO.

Storage & Handling

Lyophilized

Stable for 2+ years at -20°C, 12 months at 4°C

Reconstituted

Use within 14 days when refrigerated at 4°C

Avoid

Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles, direct light

Solvent

Bacteriostatic water or sterile saline recommended

Safety information is derived from published research and may not reflect all known risks. This is not medical advice.

Legal Status

🇩🇪DE

Approved as a medicinal product for specific indications. Not a controlled substance.

🇺🇸US

Approved by the FDA for type 2 diabetes and weight management. Not a controlled substance.

🇦🇺AU

Approved by the TGA for type 2 diabetes and weight management.

🇬🇧UK

Approved by the MHRA for type 2 diabetes and weight management.

Legal status information is provided for general reference only and may not reflect the most current regulatory changes. Always verify with official government sources before making any decisions.

Community Insights

Publications per Year

50 total

Pricing

Price Comparison

BESTStrate LabsUS
10mg
$34.95
Price/mg
$3.50/mg
View
Polaris PeptidesUS
20mg
$165.00
Price/mg
$8.25/mg
View
Polaris PeptidesUS
12.5mg
$105.00
Price/mg
$8.40/mg
View
Polaris PeptidesUS
10mg
$90.00
Price/mg
$9.00/mg
View
Prime PeptidesUS
10mg
$90.00
Price/mg
$9.00/mg
View

Vendor	Amount	Price	Price/mg	Link
BESTStrate LabsUS	10mg	$34.95	$3.50/mg	View
Polaris PeptidesUS	20mg	$165.00	$8.25/mg	View
Polaris PeptidesUS	12.5mg	$105.00	$8.40/mg	View
Polaris PeptidesUS	10mg	$90.00	$9.00/mg	View
Prime PeptidesUS	10mg	$90.00	$9.00/mg	View

Top 5 of 20 offers from 11 vendors. Prices updated daily.

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Mechanism

Tools

Reconstitution Calculator

Calculate reconstitution volumes for Semaglutide

Serum Level Visualizer

Visualize Semaglutide serum levels over time

Mechanism

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Legal Disclaimer

This page is for informational and research purposes only. All information is based on published scientific literature and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations. Many substances listed may not be approved for human use and may be subject to drug regulation laws (e.g., AMG in Germany, FDA in the US). PepStack does not encourage the use of any substance on humans. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions. Use of this information is entirely at your own risk. PepStack assumes no liability for the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of the content provided. Full disclaimer