Semaglutide
approvedAlso known as: Ozempic, Wegovy, Rybelsus, NN9535
Semaglutide is a long-acting glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist with approximately 94% structural homology to native human GLP-1. Its mechanism of action involves binding to and activating GLP-1 receptors in pancreatic beta cells, leading to glucose-dependent insulin secretion, suppression of glucagon release, and delayed gastric emptying. Additionally, central GLP-1 receptor activation in the hypothalamus reduces appetite and food intake, contributing to weight loss. The molecule is engineered with a fatty acid side chain that facilitates albumin binding, extending its half-life to approximately one week for subcutaneous formulations (Ozempic, Wegovy) and enabling once-daily oral administration (Rybelsus) via an absorption enhancer. Key research findings from over 4,800 PubMed-indexed studies demonstrate robust efficacy in glycemic control and weight management. The SUSTAIN and PIONEER trials showed significant reductions in HbA1c (1.0–1.8%) and body weight (4–15%) compared to placebo and active comparators. The SELECT trial (2023) further established cardiovascular benefits, with a 20% reduction in major adverse cardiovascular events in overweight or obese patients without diabetes. Semaglutide also improves non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) markers and reduces inflammation, though long-term safety data continue to accumulate. Clinically, semaglutide is approved for type 2 diabetes (Ozempic, Rybelsus) and chronic weight management (Wegovy) in adults with obesity or overweight with comorbidities. Dosing is titrated to minimize gastrointestinal side effects (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea), which occur in up to 40% of patients but typically subside. Contraindications include personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma and multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2. Ongoing research explores its potential in heart failure, chronic kidney disease, and addiction disorders. For research purposes only — not medical advice.
Key data
C187H291N45O59Research & studies
In type 2 diabetes patients, NAION cumulative incidence over 36 months was 8.9% for semaglutide vs 1.8% for non-GLP-1 RA medications.; In overweight/obese patients, NAION cumulative incidence over 36 months was 6.7% for semaglutide vs 0.8% for non-GLP-1 RA medications.; Semaglutide was associated with a 4.28-fold higher risk of NAION in type 2 diabetes and a 7.64-fold higher risk in overweight/obese patients.; The study suggests an association but cannot confirm causality due to its observational design.
Semaglutide led to a mean weight loss of 10.2% at 208 weeks, compared to 1.5% with placebo.; Waist circumference decreased by 7.7 cm with semaglutide versus 1.3 cm with placebo.; Clinically meaningful weight loss occurred across all sexes, races, body sizes, and regions.; Serious adverse events were lower with semaglutide across all BMI categories, though discontinuation rates were higher.
Semaglutide has a long half-life allowing once-weekly subcutaneous administration.; AUC and Cmax increase with dose for both oral and subcutaneous semaglutide.; Food, water volume, and dosing schedules affect oral semaglutide exposure.; No dose adjustments are required for renal impairment, hepatic impairment, or upper gastrointestinal disease.
Significant weight reductions were primarily due to fat mass loss.; Lean mass remained stable in some cases but showed notable reductions (0% to 40% of total weight loss) in others.; Larger trials exhibited more pronounced decreases in lean mass.; The proportion of lean mass relative to total body mass increased, suggesting a positive outcome.
Mean weight loss of 14.9%-17.4% with semaglutide 2.4 mg in overweight/obese individuals without type 2 diabetes over 68 weeks.; 69%-79% of participants achieved ≥10% weight loss with semaglutide vs. 12%-27% with placebo.; In type 2 diabetes patients, mean weight loss was -9.6% with semaglutide vs. -3.4% with placebo at week 68.; Improvements in cardiometabolic risk factors and physical function were observed, with gastrointestinal adverse events as the main safety concern.
Frequently asked questions
What is Semaglutide?
Semaglutide is a long-acting glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist with approximately 94% structural homology to native human GLP-1. Its mechanism of action involves binding to and activating GLP-1 receptors in pancreatic beta cells, leading to glucose-dependent insulin secretion, suppression of glucagon rel
How does Semaglutide work?
Long-acting GLP-1 receptor agonist that improves glycemic control, slows gastric emptying, and reduces appetite.
What is the research status of Semaglutide?
Semaglutide is currently classified as approved, with 5,126 research references on record. This is for research purposes only and is not medical advice.
What is the half-life of Semaglutide?
The reported half-life of Semaglutide is ~7 days.
What is the molecular weight of Semaglutide?
Semaglutide has a molecular weight of approximately 4114 g/mol (formula C187H291N45O59).
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