What is Semaglutide?
Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist developed by Novo Nordisk and FDA-approved as Ozempic (type 2 diabetes, 2017), Wegovy (chronic weight management, 2021), and Rybelsus (oral daily, 2019). STEP 1 clinical trial demonstrated 14.9% average body weight reduction at 68 weeks with 2.4mg weekly. SELECT cardiovascular outcomes trial (2023) showed 20% reduction in major cardiovascular events.
Mechanism of Action
GLP-1 receptor (GLP1R) agonism: slows gastric emptying, suppresses glucagon, stimulates glucose-dependent insulin secretion, reduces appetite via hypothalamic GLP-1R signaling; 94% sequence homology to native GLP-1
Target: GLP-1 receptor (GLP1R)
Educational reference — not medical advice. Educational research index only — not medical advice. Literature maturity is not a verdict on whether a compound works in people. Community reports are not evidence of efficacy.
Evidence at a glance
Derived · maturity-1.0Human efficacy is unproven unless an approved label or completed published efficacy program says otherwise. Counts reflect indexed literature volume/kind — never a verdict on effect.
Literature maturity
established 90/100
PubMed hits
5,578
CT.gov trials
783
Strong-human apps
3
Sample papers
8
Sample articles by era
- pre-20181
- 2018-20202
- 2021-20236
- 2024-202613
Application grades (curated)
- Human-grade apps3
- Animal / in-vitro0
- Mechanistic0
Does literature support studied applications?
Grades reflect cited literature posture — not a treatment recommendation. Community notes are never efficacy evidence.
| Application | Cited evidence | Grade | Community |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type 2 diabetes mellitus | SUSTAIN / PIONEER programs and approved labels support glycemic efficacy. | Strong human | Community reports vary; not evidence of efficacy. |
| Chronic weight management | STEP program supports weight reduction for approved obesity/overweight populations. | Strong human | Community reports vary; not evidence of efficacy. |
| Cardiovascular risk reduction in selected T2D populations | CVOT evidence informs labeled CV risk reduction where applicable. | Strong human | Community reports vary; not evidence of efficacy. |
Pharmacology
Mechanism of action
- •GLP-1 receptor (GLP1R) agonism: slows gastric emptying, suppresses glucagon, stimulates glucose-dependent insulin secretion, reduces appetite via hypothalamic GLP-1R signaling; 94% sequence homology to native GLP-1
- •Primary target framing: GLP-1 receptor (GLP1R)
Half-life
~7 days
Identity & chemistry
- CAS
- 910463-68-2
- PubChem
- CID 56843331
- Formula
- C187H291N45O59
- Molar mass
- 4114 Da
- InChIKey
- DLSWIYLPEUIQAV-CCUURXOWSA-N
Identity cross-checked with PubChem where available. Compass HTML used only as a bootstrap checklist — not republished as product copy.
Storage & stability
- Lyophilized
- 2–8°C; lyophilized typical shelf 18–24 months
- Reconstituted
- 2–8°C; in-use window often 28–56 days (product-dependent)
- Tell-tale degradation
- !Cloudiness, clumping, or particles after mixing
- !Discoloration versus the expected clear/colorless (or labeled) solution
- !Failed or incomplete reconstitution of lyophilized cake
Educational estimates. Prefer product labeling and peptide shelf-life tool.
Lab handling posture
Research / educational handling notes only. Not a substitute for an SDS.
- •Use PPE appropriate for peptide powder/solution handling
- •Avoid inhalation of lyophilized powder; handle spills per institutional policy
- •Do not present research materials as medicines
Sample indexed literature
- Safety of Semaglutide.
Frontiers in endocrinology · 2021 · PMID 34305810
- Semaglutide lowers body weight in rodents via distributed neural pathways.
JCI insight · 2020 · PMID 32213703
- Semaglutide once a week in adults with overweight or obesity, with or without type 2 diabetes in an east Asian population (STEP 6): a randomised, double-blind, double-dummy, placebo-controlled, phase 3a trial.
The lancet. Diabetes & endocrinology · 2022 · PMID 35131037
- Long-term weight loss effects of semaglutide in obesity without diabetes in the SELECT trial.
Nature medicine · 2024 · PMID 38740993
- As Ozempic's Popularity Soars, Here's What to Know About Semaglutide and Weight Loss.
JAMA · 2023 · PMID 37099334
- Semaglutide: First Global Approval.
Drugs · 2018 · PMID 29363040
Research Indications
Clinical trials demonstrate significant body weight reduction with sustained benefit
Improves glycemic control and A1C levels in type 2 diabetes
Associated with reduced cardiovascular events in high-risk patients
Addresses multiple components of metabolic syndrome simultaneously
Research Protocols
These are commonly discussed research protocols — not medical advice. Consult a healthcare provider before use.
| Goal | Dose | Frequency | Route |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Dose (Week 1–4) | 0.25 mg | Once weekly | Subcutaneous injection |
| Escalation (Week 5–8) | 0.5 mg | Once weekly | Subcutaneous injection |
| Standard Diabetes Dose | 1 mg | Once weekly | Subcutaneous injection |
| Weight Loss Maintenance | 2.4 mg | Once weekly | Subcutaneous injection |
Peptide & Drug Interactions
Always consult your healthcare provider before combining with other compounds. Use our Interaction Checker for reference.
How to Reconstitute & Inject
Use bacteriostatic (BAC) water only. Avoid saline — may cause precipitation. Refrigerate and use within 28 days.
- 1
Remove Semaglutide vial from refrigeration and allow to reach room temperature (15–20 minutes)
- 2
Clean vial top with alcohol swab and allow to air dry completely
- 3
Using a sterile syringe, draw the calculated volume of bacteriostatic water (BAC water)
- 4
Inject BAC water slowly down the side of the vial — do not aim directly at the powder
- 5
Gently swirl in circular motions — DO NOT shake vigorously as this degrades the peptide
- 6
Allow 2–3 minutes for full dissolution — solution should be clear and colorless
- 7
Draw calculated dose into an insulin syringe for subcutaneous injection
- 8
Inject into abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. Rotate injection sites to prevent lipodystrophy
- 9
Store reconstituted solution refrigerated (2–8°C) and use within 28 days
What to Expect
Week 1–2
Initial appetite suppression may begin. Mild GI effects (nausea, fullness) as your body adapts.
Week 2–4
Noticeable reduction in food cravings and portion sizes. Early weight changes begin.
Week 4–8
Significant appetite control and steady weight loss. Improved blood sugar if applicable.
Week 8–16
Substantial weight reduction and enhanced energy. Metabolic markers begin improving.
Week 16–24
Major weight loss milestone with cardiovascular benefits and improved lipid profiles.
Week 24+
Maximum clinical efficacy. Comprehensive metabolic improvements and sustained benefits.
Side Effects & Safety
- Nausea (most common, typically dose-dependent and transient)
- Diarrhea or constipation during dose escalation
- Vomiting, especially when starting or increasing dose
- Reduced appetite and early satiety
- Injection site reactions (redness, bruising)
- Fatigue, particularly in early weeks
- Rare: Pancreatitis — discontinue immediately with severe abdominal pain
- Rare: Thyroid C-cell effects (contraindicated with MEN2 or thyroid cancer history)
FDA Status & Regulatory Info
Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist developed by Novo Nordisk and FDA-approved as Ozempic (type 2 diabetes, 2017), Wegovy (chronic weight management, 2021), and Rybelsus (oral daily, 2019). STEP 1 clinical trial demonstrated 14.9% average body weight reduction at 68 weeks with 2.4mg weekly. SELECT cardiovascular outcomes trial (2023) showed 20% reduction in major cardiovascular events.
Frequently Asked Questions
Research References
External links for education only. We do not control third-party content.
Community-reported data
The information below reflects self-reported experiences from PeptIQ app users. It is not clinical evidence and should not replace professional medical advice.
Community Intelligence
What 26 users report
Overall experience
From check-in ratings — separate from side effects logged below. Side effects are logged separately from overall experience. A favorable check-in can still include nausea, fatigue, or injection-site reactions.
Favorable 4% · Mixed 96% · Unfavorable overall 0%
Most reported benefits
Benefits users selected when logging a favorable or mixed check-in.
Most logged side effects
Side effects are logged separately from overall experience. A favorable check-in can still include nausea, fatigue, or injection-site reactions.
Self-reported dose per injection
Median bucket: 1–2 mg · Most common: 2–3 mg
Reports span 0 to ≥ 5 mg (open-ended top bucket)
Anonymized self-reports from PeptIQ users — not prescribing guidance. Buckets group similar logged amounts; open-ended top buckets mean “at least” that dose.
Commonly stacked with
How repeat users are trending
Among repeat reporters, 78% said they felt similar to their last entry, 22% more positive, and 0% more negative.
Overall, repeat reporters leaned more positive than their previous entry.
Median gap between entries: 94 days · Based on 23 repeat reporters
Share Your Experience
Rate Semaglutide in the PeptIQ app and help the community make informed decisions.
Educational information only
This page is for educational reference. It is not medical or legal advice. PeptIQ does not sell peptides or list vendors. Consult the FDA and a licensed healthcare professional for current regulations and individualized guidance.