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Semaglutide

FDA-approved

FDA-approved GLP-1 receptor agonist

Also known as: Ozempic, Wegovy, Rybelsus

Weight Loss

Semaglutide is an FDA-approved GLP-1 receptor agonist for type 2 diabetes and chronic weight management, engineered with fatty-acid acylation for a once-weekly half-life.

Molecular & research data

Sequence
Acylated GLP-1(7-37) analog (Aib8, Arg34, C18 diacid linker)
CAS number
910463-68-2
Molecular formula
C187H291N45O59
Molecular weight
4113.6 g/mol
Half-life
≈7 days (~165 hours)
Primary targets
GLP-1 receptor
Routes (research)
Subcutaneous, Oral
Storage
Refrigerate 2–8 °C; commercial pens have specific in-use limits.

Overview

Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist and one of the most consequential metabolic drugs of the past decade. Unlike most compounds in this database, it is fully FDA-approved and widely prescribed — for type 2 diabetes (as Ozempic and oral Rybelsus) and for chronic weight management (as Wegovy).

It is included here as a reference point: a rigorously studied, approved peptide that defines the modern incretin class.

Mechanism of action

Semaglutide mimics glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), an incretin hormone released after eating. By activating the GLP-1 receptor, it:

  • Enhances glucose-dependent insulin secretion (lowering blood sugar without excessive hypoglycaemia risk)
  • Slows gastric emptying, prolonging fullness
  • Acts on appetite centres in the hypothalamus to reduce hunger and energy intake

Native GLP-1 is degraded within minutes by the enzyme DPP-4. Semaglutide resists this through an amino acid substitution and a fatty-acid (C18 diacid) chain that binds albumin — extending its half-life to about a week and enabling once-weekly dosing.

Common research uses

  • Type 2 diabetes management (approved)
  • Chronic weight management (approved)
  • Cardiovascular and metabolic outcomes research
  • As the GLP-1 benchmark in comparisons with dual agonists like Tirzepatide

Compare Semaglutide

Semaglutide vs Tirzepatide

Semaglutide FAQ

What is semaglutide approved for?+

It is FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes (Ozempic, Rybelsus) and for chronic weight management (Wegovy), with additional cardiovascular risk-reduction indications.

How does semaglutide cause weight loss?+

As a GLP-1 receptor agonist it enhances glucose-dependent insulin secretion, slows gastric emptying, and acts on appetite centres in the brain to reduce hunger and food intake.

How does it differ from tirzepatide?+

Semaglutide targets the GLP-1 receptor only, while tirzepatide is a dual agonist of both GLP-1 and GIP receptors. Head-to-head trials show greater average weight loss with tirzepatide.

References

  1. [1]Semaglutide — PubChemPubChem
  2. [2]Semaglutide — DrugBankDrugBank

Related peptides

Tirzepatide

FDA-approved

FDA-approved dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist

Tirzepatide is an FDA-approved dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist for type 2 diabetes and weight management, producing larger average weight reduction than GLP-1-only agents in trials.

Weight Loss

Tesamorelin

FDA-approved

FDA-approved stabilised GHRH analog

Tesamorelin is a stabilised GHRH analog and the only growth-hormone secretagogue with FDA approval specifically for reducing excess visceral fat (in HIV-associated lipodystrophy).

Growth HormoneWeight Loss

Last reviewed: 2026-06-26. Information is provided for research and educational reference only — see our disclaimer.