Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist that stimulates insulin secretion, suppresses glucagon, slows gastric emptying, and reduces appetite through central nervous system mechanisms. It has 94% amino acid sequence homology to native GLP-1 with a C18 fatty diacid chain extending half-life to ~7 days.
FDA-approved: 0.25 mg/week for 4 weeks → 0.5 mg → escalate up to 2.4 mg/week (Wegovy). Ozempic max 2 mg/week for T2D. Research use mirrors these protocols.
Manufacturer pens: 2–8°C unopened; 15–30°C for up to 56 days after first use. Research vials: 2–8°C.
FDA approved for Type 2 Diabetes (Ozempic) and chronic weight management (Wegovy). Approved in compounded form during shortage period — check current FDA guidance on compounding status.
⚠ For research and educational purposes only. This is not medical advice and does not constitute a recommendation for human use. Consult a licensed healthcare provider. Regulatory status varies by jurisdiction.