Semaglutide
Also known as: Rybelsus · Ozempic · Wegovy · NN9535
Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist and an FDA-approved prescription drug (marketed as Ozempic / Wegovy / Rybelsus). Material sold as a research peptide is offered for laboratory and research use only and is not the approved pharmaceutical product. It is studied in research for metabolic regulation and weight.
What is Semaglutide?
Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist. Semaglutide acts as a GLP-1 receptor agonist, engaging GLP-1 receptors to improve glycemic control and promote weight loss. Its mechanism involves stimulating these receptors, which can lead to gastrointestinal side effects and influence biliary function, among other safety-related effects.
It is best referenced by its chemistry (PubChem CID 56843331, molecular formula C187H291N45O59). Semaglutide is sold and discussed for laboratory and research use only, separate from its approved pharmaceutical form.
Key Benefits & Mechanisms
Mechanism of action
Semaglutide acts as a GLP-1 receptor agonist, engaging GLP-1 receptors to improve glycemic control and promote weight loss. Its mechanism involves stimulating these receptors, which can lead to gastrointestinal side effects and influence biliary function, among other safety-related effects.
Research Summary
Semaglutide has been examined in peer-reviewed research; representative studies are listed below. The publicly available evidence is primarily preclinical, and Semaglutide is an approved drug only in its pharmaceutical form — research-grade material remains research-use-only.
- Semaglutide 2·4 mg once a week in adults with overweight or obesity, and type 2 diabetes (STEP 2): a randomised, double-blind, double-dummy, placebo-controlled, phase 3 trial. (2021) PubMed · PMID 33667417
- Safety of Semaglutide. (2021) PubMed · PMID 34305810
- Efficacy and Safety of Semaglutide for Weight Loss in Obesity Without Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. (2022) PubMed · PMID 36578889
Frequently asked questions about Semaglutide
Is Semaglutide FDA approved?
Semaglutide is an FDA-approved prescription drug (marketed as Ozempic / Wegovy / Rybelsus). However, material sold online as a research peptide is not the approved pharmaceutical product and is for research use only.
What is Semaglutide studied for?
In research, Semaglutide is studied for metabolic regulation and weight. Semaglutide acts as a GLP-1 receptor agonist, engaging GLP-1 receptors to improve glycemic control and promote weight loss. Its mechanism involves stimulating these receptors, which can lead to gastrointestinal side effects and influence biliary function, among other safety-related effects.
How is Semaglutide stored?
Like most peptides, lyophilized Semaglutide is best kept cold, dark, and dry; reconstituted material is refrigerated and used within a limited window. See the storage and reconstitution guide for details.
Legal & research status: Semaglutide is an FDA-approved prescription drug (marketed as Ozempic / Wegovy / Rybelsus). Material sold as a research peptide is not the approved pharmaceutical product and is offered for laboratory and research use only, not for human consumption.