Wiki · Profile

Semaglutide

Ozempic · Wegovy · Rybelsus

Metabolic & WeightApproved

MW: 4114g/mol
Formula: C187H291N45O59

Semaglutide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist that originated from the natural hormone GLP-1, which is involved in glucose metabolism and appetite regulation. 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 body weight compared to placebo, with some studies suggesting it may offer cardiovascular benefits as well. Additionally, head-to-head comparisons with other agents like tirzepatide have shown that semaglutide is effective, though tirzepatide may lead to greater weight loss. Current research continues to explore its long-term safety profile and efficacy in diverse populations, including those with obesity-related complications.

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 suppressing glucagon release from pancreatic alpha cells. This mechanism promotes improved glycemic control and contributes to weight loss through increased satiety and reduced gastric emptying. Additionally, semaglutide may influence pathways related to cardiovascular health, although the full extent of its mechanisms remains to be fully elucidated.

Research

72 Research Publications

10,603

Total Citations

Human/RCT

12.4

Avg. Influence

2025

Latest

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Filter

01Top

#01

GLP-1 receptor agonists in the treatment of type 2 diabetes - state-of-the-art.

ReviewInfluence63.0

1237

The review summarized that GLP-1 receptor agonists, including semaglutide, are effective for managing type 2 diabetes and can prevent cardiovascular events in human patients.

1 mgsubcutaneous(human)40 weeks2.4 mgsubcutaneous(human)68 weeks2.4 mgsubcutaneous(human)68 weeks1.7 mgsubcutaneous(human)72 weeks0.5 mgsubcutaneous(human)30 weeks1.0 mgsubcutaneous(human)30 weeks14 mgoral(human)26 weeks2.4 mgsubcutaneous(human)32 weeks

PubMed

02Top

#02

Tirzepatide versus Semaglutide Once Weekly in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes.

Frías Juan P, et al. · The New England journal of medicine · 2021

HumanInfluence112.0

1223

The study demonstrated that tirzepatide was noninferior and superior to semaglutide in reducing glycated hemoglobin levels in human patients with type 2 diabetes over 40 weeks.

Key findings

01Tirzepatide significantly reduced blood sugar levels more than semaglutide.
02Participants taking tirzepatide experienced greater weight loss compared to those on semaglutide.
03The most common side effects for both medications were mild to moderate gastrointestinal issues.

PubMed

03Top

#03

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

HumanInfluence40.0

638

The study demonstrated 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.

PubMed

#04

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

#05

Obesity Management in Adults: A Review.

ReviewInfluence24.0

541

The review highlighted that comprehensive obesity management combining behavioral, nutritional, and pharmacotherapy interventions can achieve 5% to 10% weight loss in human adults.

PubMed

#06

Advances in oral peptide therapeutics.

ReviewInfluence12.0

507

The study demonstrated that an oral formulation of semaglutide has been approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, overcoming significant barriers to peptide delivery.

PubMed

#07

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

HumanInfluence19.0

474

The trial demonstrated that semaglutide was superior to exenatide ER in improving glycemic control and reducing body weight in subjects with type 2 diabetes.

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

#08

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

HumanInfluence28.0

333

Researchers observed that semaglutide significantly reduced HbA1c and body weight in patients with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes when added to basal insulin compared to placebo.

PubMed

#09

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.

HumanInfluence18.0

318

Researchers observed that semaglutide resulted in greater reductions in HbA1c and body weight compared to insulin glargine in insulin-naive patients with type 2 diabetes.

PubMed

#10

Tirzepatide as Compared with Semaglutide for the Treatment of Obesity.

HumanInfluence25.0

274

Researchers observed that tirzepatide was superior to semaglutide in reducing body weight and waist circumference in human participants with obesity but without diabetes over 72 weeks.

PubMed

Safety

Safety & Handling

Research Gaps

No long-term safety and efficacy data for semaglutide in combination with cagrilintide are available, particularly regarding weight maintenance and potential adverse effects beyond 68 weeks. Additionally, the mechanisms underlying the differential weight loss effects between tirzepatide and semaglutide remain unclear, necessitating further investigation into their pharmacological interactions and long-term outcomes in diverse populations.

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

49 total

Pricing

Price Comparison

BESTStrate LabsUS
10mg
$34.95
Price/mg
$3.50/mg
View
Polaris PeptidesUS
12.5mg
$105.00
Price/mg
$8.40/mg
View
Polaris PeptidesUS
20mg
$175.00
Price/mg
$8.75/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	12.5mg	$105.00	$8.40/mg	View
Polaris PeptidesUS	20mg	$175.00	$8.75/mg	View
Polaris PeptidesUS	10mg	$90.00	$9.00/mg	View
Prime PeptidesUS	10mg	$90.00	$9.00/mg	View

Top 5 of 21 offers from 12 vendors. Prices updated daily.

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Mechanism

Tools

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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