Interested in this peptide?
Request more information and our team will get back to you within 2 business days.
What Is Semaglutide?
Semaglutide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist developed by Novo Nordisk. It mimics the effects of the naturally occurring incretin hormone GLP-1, which is released after eating and plays a crucial role in glucose metabolism and appetite regulation.
Semaglutide has become one of the most significant pharmaceutical developments in metabolic medicine, with dramatic effects on both blood sugar control and body weight.
Key Characteristics
- Administration: Weekly injection or daily oral tablet
- Approved Uses: Type 2 diabetes, chronic weight management
- Weight Loss: ~15-17% average in clinical trials
- Mechanism: GLP-1 receptor agonist
Mechanism of Action
GLP-1 Receptor Activation
Semaglutide works by activating GLP-1 receptors throughout the body:
- Pancreas: Enhances glucose-dependent insulin secretion
- Brain: Reduces appetite and increases satiety
- Stomach: Slows gastric emptying
- Liver: Reduces glucose production
Blood Sugar Control
Multiple mechanisms improve glycemic control:
- Stimulates insulin release when blood sugar is elevated
- Suppresses glucagon secretion (glucose-dependent)
- Slows carbohydrate absorption via delayed gastric emptying
- Reduces hepatic glucose output
Weight Loss Mechanisms
Semaglutide induces weight loss through:
- Reduced appetite and food cravings
- Increased satiety (feeling full faster)
- Delayed gastric emptying
- Central nervous system effects on reward pathways
Clinical Trial Results
SUSTAIN Trials (Diabetes)
| Trial | Result | HbA1c Reduction |
|---|---|---|
| SUSTAIN 1-6 | Superior to comparators | 1.5-1.8% |
| SUSTAIN 6 (CV outcomes) | 26% reduction in CV events | - |
STEP Trials (Weight Management)
| Trial | Population | Weight Loss |
|---|---|---|
| STEP 1 | Obesity (no diabetes) | -14.9% (vs -2.4% placebo) |
| STEP 2 | Obesity with diabetes | -9.6% |
| STEP 3 | With intensive behavioral therapy | -16.0% |
| STEP 4 | Maintenance study | Continued vs regain |
SELECT Trial (Cardiovascular)
The SELECT trial (2023) demonstrated:
- 20% reduction in major cardiovascular events
- In patients with obesity but without diabetes
- First GLP-1 to show CV benefit independent of diabetes
Approved Formulations
Semaglutide Products
- Ozempic®: Weekly injection for type 2 diabetes (0.25mg, 0.5mg, 1mg, 2mg)
- Wegovy®: Weekly injection for weight management (2.4mg)
- Rybelsus®: Daily oral tablet for diabetes (3mg, 7mg, 14mg)
Side Effects
Common Side Effects
- Nausea (most common, usually improves)
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Abdominal pain
- Headache
Serious Risks (Rare)
- Pancreatitis
- Gallbladder disease
- Thyroid C-cell tumors (boxed warning; seen in rodents)
- Hypoglycemia (when combined with insulin/sulfonylureas)
- Acute kidney injury (from dehydration)
Contraindications
- Personal/family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma
- Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2
- History of pancreatitis (use with caution)
Ongoing Research
Active research areas for semaglutide:
- NASH/Fatty liver: Trials showing liver fat reduction
- Heart failure: STEP-HFpEF showing benefits
- Kidney disease: FLOW trial results
- Addiction: Early research in alcohol use disorder
- Alzheimer's: EVOKE trials investigating cognitive effects
Key Published Research
| Year | Study | Key Finding | Journal |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | SUSTAIN 6 | Cardiovascular benefit in diabetes | NEJM |
| 2021 | STEP 1 | ~15% weight loss in obesity | NEJM |
| 2023 | SELECT | CV benefit in obesity without diabetes | NEJM |
| 2023 | STEP-HFpEF | Benefits in heart failure | NEJM |
Prescription Medication
Semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy, Rybelsus) is a prescription medication that should only be used under medical supervision. It is not available for research purchase. This information is for educational purposes about the science of GLP-1 agonists. Always consult healthcare providers for medical decisions.
Summary
Semaglutide represents a major advancement in metabolic medicine. Its dual approval for both diabetes and obesity, combined with proven cardiovascular benefits, has made it one of the most impactful medications in recent pharmaceutical history. The ongoing research into additional applications — from fatty liver to neurodegenerative diseases — suggests we're only beginning to understand the full potential of GLP-1 receptor agonism.