Semaglutide
Also known as: Ozempic · Wegovy · Rybelsus · GLP-1 agonist · NNC9204-0092
Semaglutide binds and activates GLP-1R (glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor) throughout the body. In the pancreas, it stimulates glucose-dependent insulin secretion and suppresses glucagon. In the hypothalamus and brainstem, GLP-1R activation reduces appetite and food intake by increasing satiety signals and reducing...
What It Is
Semaglutide binds and activates GLP-1R (glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor) throughout the body. In the pancreas, it stimulates glucose-dependent insulin secretion and suppresses glucagon. In the hypothalamus and brainstem, GLP-1R activation reduces appetite and food intake by increasing satiety signals and reducing hedonic eating. In the GI tract it slows gastric emptying, contributing to prolonged satiety. Cardiovascular GLP-1R activation reduces atherosclerotic cardiovascular events. The C18 fatty diacid chain enables albumin binding for half-life extension to ~7 days, allowing once-weekly subcutaneous dosing or daily oral tablet (Rybelsus).
Supplies Needed
Reconstitution for research use
Subcutaneous injection
Sterilization
Storage
Store at -20C for research peptide. FDA pens: refrigerate at 2-8C (do not freeze).
Refrigerate at 2-8C; use within 28-30 days.
This information is provided for educational and research purposes only. Not approved for human consumption by the FDA or any regulatory body. Always consult a qualified medical professional.
Dosing Protocols
Timing: Same day each week; any time of day. Starting dose per Ozempic/Wegovy labeling; not therapeutic dose - purely for GI tolerance
↓ Apply these values to the reconstitution calculatorTiming: Same day each week. Titrate: 0.25->0.5->1->1.7->2.4 mg at 4-week intervals. 2.4 mg is FDA-approved Wegovy dose for obesity.
↓ Apply these values to the reconstitution calculatorTiming: Same day each week. FDA-approved maximum dose; weight regain typically occurs on discontinuation - long-term use required
↓ Apply these values to the reconstitution calculatorWeekly Timeline
| Week | Expected Effects |
|---|---|
| Week 4 | Reduced appetite; GI side effects improving; early weight loss 1-3 kg |
| Week 12 | 5-8% body weight loss; significantly reduced food cravings |
| Week 24 | 10-12% body weight loss; improved metabolic markers |
| Week 68 | Maximum ~15% body weight loss; sustained glycemic control; cardiovascular benefits |
Reconstitution Calculator
1 unit on U-100 syringe = 0.01 mL · Always label your vial after reconstitution
Injection Technique & Reconstitution
- Note: FDA-approved Ozempic and Wegovy come in pre-filled auto-injector pens
- For research semaglutide: Remove flip-top cap from vial
- Swab rubber stopper with alcohol swab
- Draw appropriate volume of bacteriostatic water
- Inject slowly down the vial wall
- Gently swirl until dissolved - do not shake
- Label with reconstitution date; refrigerate at 2-8C
Use our free reconstitution calculator to get the exact syringe units for your vial size and dose.
Mechanism of Action
Semaglutide binds and activates GLP-1R (glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor) throughout the body. In the pancreas, it stimulates glucose-dependent insulin secretion and suppresses glucagon. In the hypothalamus and brainstem, GLP-1R activation reduces appetite and food intake by increasing satiety signals and reducing hedonic eating. In the GI tract it slows gastric emptying, contributing to prolonged satiety. Cardiovascular GLP-1R activation reduces atherosclerotic cardiovascular events. The C18 fatty diacid chain enables albumin binding for half-life extension to ~7 days, allowing once-weekly subcutaneous dosing or daily oral tablet (Rybelsus).
Key Research Papers
Pivotal Phase 3 trial showing 14.9% mean body weight loss with semaglutide 2.4 mg weekly at 68 weeks vs 2.4% placebo in adults with obesity.
View on PubMed →Landmark trial showing 20% reduction in major cardiovascular events with semaglutide 2.4 mg in overweight/obese adults with established cardiovascular disease.
View on PubMed →Stacks Well With
Reduces GI side effects from semaglutide by protecting gut mucosa and reducing nausea and motility disturbances.
Complementary fat loss: semaglutide suppresses appetite and improves metabolism; 5-Amino-1MQ inhibits NNMT for additional fat oxidation via NAD+ pathway.
Frequently Asked Questions
Semaglutide is FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes (Ozempic, Rybelsus) and obesity/overweight (Wegovy). It produces ~15% body weight loss on average at the 2.4 mg weekly dose.
Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist only. Tirzepatide activates both GLP-1R and GIPR. In head-to-head trials, tirzepatide produced significantly greater weight loss (22% vs 15%) and blood sugar control.
Most of the weight lost on semaglutide returns within 1-2 years after stopping, as semaglutide does not fix underlying hormonal drivers of obesity. Long-term treatment is typically required for sustained benefit.
Legal Status by Region
This information is provided for educational and research purposes only. Not approved for human consumption by the FDA or any regulatory body. Always consult a qualified medical professional.