FREE SHIPPING OVER $150 | SHIPS IN 24H | USA BASED | JANOSHIK TESTED | FOR RESEARCH USE ONLY

Home / Library / Semaglutide

Semaglutide

Published May 14, 2026 · Research Library
Semaglutide — Grey Research research peptide vial

Long-Acting GLP-1 Receptor Agonist | CAS: 910463-68-2

Overview

Semaglutide is a long-acting glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist with 94% structural homology to native human GLP-1. Developed by Novo Nordisk, it features three key modifications that extend its half-life from ~2 minutes (native GLP-1) to approximately 7 days: an Aib substitution at position 8 for DPP-4 resistance, an Arg→Arg substitution at position 34, and a C-18 fatty diacid acylation at Lys26 for enhanced albumin binding.

Semaglutide is currently the most studied GLP-1 agonist, with extensive clinical trial programs (SUSTAIN, STEP, PIONEER, SELECT) documenting its effects on glycemic control, body weight, and cardiovascular outcomes.

Mechanism of Action

  • GLP-1R agonism: Binds and activates GLP-1 receptors on pancreatic beta cells, triggering glucose-dependent insulin secretion. This glucose-dependence provides a safety advantage — insulin is only released when blood glucose is elevated.
  • Glucagon suppression: Reduces inappropriate glucagon secretion from pancreatic alpha cells, lowering hepatic glucose output.
  • Hypothalamic appetite regulation: Activates GLP-1R in the arcuate nucleus and other hypothalamic regions, suppressing NPY/AgRP (orexigenic) neurons while activating POMC/CART (anorexigenic) neurons. Also acts on the brainstem NTS (nucleus tractus solitarius) to reduce food intake.
  • Gastric emptying: Delays gastric emptying by 10-30%, reducing postprandial glucose excursions and promoting satiety.
  • Beta-cell effects: Promotes beta-cell proliferation, inhibits apoptosis, and enhances insulin gene transcription. Long-term studies suggest improved beta-cell mass preservation.
  • Cardiovascular: Demonstrated direct anti-atherosclerotic effects including reduced arterial inflammation, improved endothelial function, and decreased macrophage foam cell formation.

Pharmacokinetics

  • Half-life: ~7 days (168 hours), enabling once-weekly dosing.
  • Bioavailability: ~89% subcutaneous; ~0.4-1% oral (requires SNAC absorption enhancer).
  • Protein binding: >99% albumin-bound in circulation.
  • Metabolism: Proteolytic degradation and beta-oxidation of fatty acid chain.
  • Steady state: Reached after 4-5 weeks of once-weekly dosing.

Published Research

  • Wilding et al. (2021) — New England Journal of Medicine: STEP 1 trial. 2.4mg once-weekly semaglutide produced 14.9% mean body weight loss vs. 2.4% placebo at 68 weeks (n=1,961). 86.4% of participants achieved ≥5% weight loss.
  • Marso et al. (2016) — New England Journal of Medicine: SUSTAIN-6 trial. Cardiovascular outcomes study demonstrating 26% reduction in MACE (major adverse cardiovascular events). Significant reductions in non-fatal stroke and MI.
  • Davies et al. (2017) — The Lancet: SUSTAIN-2 trial. 1.0mg semaglutide achieved HbA1c reductions of 1.6% and body weight reductions of 6.1kg at 56 weeks.
  • Rubino et al. (2021) — JAMA: STEP 4. Continued treatment maintained weight loss; withdrawal resulted in 2/3 regain, demonstrating sustained pharmacological effect.
  • Lincoff et al. (2023) — New England Journal of Medicine: SELECT trial. 2.4mg semaglutide reduced MACE by 20% in overweight/obese adults without diabetes (n=17,604).
  • Kosiborod et al. (2023) — NEJM: STEP-HFpEF trial. Semaglutide improved symptoms and physical function in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction.

Research Applications

  • Metabolic syndrome and obesity research
  • Type 2 diabetes and insulin resistance studies
  • Cardiovascular protection investigation
  • Appetite regulation and food intake studies
  • NAFLD/NASH and hepatic lipid metabolism
  • Beta-cell preservation and regeneration research
  • Neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration studies

Chemical Properties

  • Molecular Weight: 4,113.58 g/mol
  • Molecular Formula: C187H291N45O59
  • CAS Number: 910463-68-2
  • Modifications: Aib8, Arg34, Lys26-C18 fatty diacid via OEG-OEG linker
  • Appearance: White to off-white lyophilized powder
  • Storage: -20°C lyophilized; 2-8°C reconstituted
Disclaimer: This information is compiled from published peer-reviewed research for educational purposes only. Grey Research compounds are intended for in vitro research and laboratory use only. Not for human consumption.

Disclaimer: This information is compiled from published peer-reviewed research for educational purposes only. Grey Research compounds are intended for in vitro research and laboratory use only. Not for human consumption.

Certificate of Analysis

Independent third-party HPLC lab test by Janoshik Analytical. Every batch is tested before release.

Janoshik Certificate of Analysis

Click to view full-size lab report.