Semaglutide is a synthetic glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) analog based on the human GLP-1(7-37) sequence, developed by Novo Nordisk. It features two key amino acid substitutions (Aib at position 8, Arg at position 34) and a C18 fatty diacid side chain at Lys26 to enhance albumin binding and extend half-life to ~160 hours.
FDA-approved dosing: For weight management (Wegovy), start at 0.25 mg SC weekly for 4 weeks, escalate through 0.5 mg, 1.0 mg, 1.7 mg at 4-week intervals to maintenance dose of 2.4 mg weekly. For type 2 diabetes (Ozempic), maintenance doses are 0.5 mg, 1 mg, or 2 mg weekly. All doses administered subcutaneously once weekly.
Mechanisms of Action
4Benefits
5Significant weight loss
Body CompositionClinical trials demonstrate 15-17% body weight reduction at 2.4 mg weekly dose over 68 weeks.
Glycemic control in type 2 diabetes
MetabolicReduces HbA1c by 1.5-1.8% in patients with type 2 diabetes, superior to most oral antidiabetics.
Cardiovascular event reduction
LongevitySELECT trial showed 20% reduction in major adverse cardiovascular events in overweight/obese adults.
Reduced visceral adiposity
Body CompositionPreferentially reduces visceral fat, improving metabolic health markers beyond weight alone.
Improved lipid profile
MetabolicReduces triglycerides and LDL cholesterol while modestly improving HDL levels.
Dosage Data
1Study: Several pharmacological treatment options are available for type 2 diabetes; how... Year: 2017 | Route: subcutaneous
Research Studies
19Semaglutide, sold under the brand names of Ozempic, Rybelsus and Wegovy, is one of the most popular ...
Journal of medical ethics · Nanette Ryan, Julian Savulescu
Semaglutide at a dose of 2.4 mg has established weight-loss and cardiovascular benefits, and cagrili...
The New England journal of medicine · W Timothy Garvey, Matthias Blüher, Cynthia Karenina Osorto C...
Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is a major cause of hospitalization, often oc...
JAMA · Nils Krüger, Sebastian Schneeweiss, Kenshiro Fuse, Sofiya Ma...
Although tirzepatide and semaglutide were shown to reduce weight in randomized clinical trials, data...
JAMA internal medicine · Patricia J Rodriguez, Brianna M Goodwin Cartwright, Samuel G...
New patients turning to semaglutide (Ozempic® and Wegovy®), a glucagon-like-peptide 1 (GLP-1...
Journal of drugs in dermatology : JDD · Alexa Carboni, Sabrina Woessner, Olnita Martini, Nathaniel A...
This database is for educational and research purposes only. It is not medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional before using any peptide or supplement.