Encyclopedia

Semaglutide is an FDA-approved glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist used to treat type 2 diabetes (Ozempic, Rybelsus) and for chronic weight management (Wegovy), with additional approved indications including reduction of major adverse cardiovascular events. It is a once-weekly injectable (also available as an oral tablet) with a half-life of about one week.

Semaglutide is a GLP-1 analog developed by Novo Nordisk, with a peptide backbone produced by yeast fermentation and modifications (including a fatty-acid chain at position 26 lysine) that enable albumin binding and a long half-life. It was first FDA-approved in 2017 (Ozempic) for type 2 diabetes; an oral formulation (Rybelsus) followed in 2019, and a higher-dose formulation (Wegovy, 2.4 mg/week) was approved in June 2021 for chronic weight management. Wegovy later gained an indication to reduce the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events in adults with cardiovascular disease and obesity/overweight. Unlike the research peptides in this library, semaglutide is a fully approved prescription drug with extensive human trial data. It carries a boxed warning regarding rodent thyroid C-cell tumors and is contraindicated in patients with a personal/family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or MEN 2.

Mechanism of Action

Selective GLP-1 receptor agonist. It enhances glucose-dependent insulin secretion, suppresses glucagon, slows gastric emptying, and acts on appetite-regulating areas of the brain to reduce food intake. The glucose-dependence of its insulinotropic effect limits hypoglycemia risk when used alone.