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Peptide profile · Metabolic

Semaglutide

A long-acting GLP-1 receptor agonist approved for type 2 diabetes and, at higher doses, chronic weight management. One of the most extensively studied peptide medicines in modern endocrinology.

FDA-approved
GradeAStrong (multiple RCTs)
Last reviewed 2026-08-02Updated 2026-08-14

Quick facts

Classification
Peptide analogue of human GLP-1 (incretin mimetic)
Target / mechanism
Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor
Development status
Marketed; multiple ongoing trials in new indications
Regulatory status
FDA-approved
Evidence level
Strong (multiple RCTs)
Therapeutic area
Metabolic / endocrine
Route / formulation
Subcutaneous injection; an oral tablet formulation also exists

Also referred to as · GLP-1 receptor agonist

What it is

Semaglutide is a synthetic analogue of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), a hormone the gut releases after eating. Structural modifications slow its breakdown, extending its half-life from minutes to roughly a week.

It is a prescription medicine, not a supplement. Different brand products use different dose ranges and carry different approved indications.

How it works

By activating GLP-1 receptors, semaglutide increases glucose-dependent insulin secretion, reduces glucagon release, and slows gastric emptying.

Receptors in the hypothalamus and brainstem also participate in appetite and satiety signalling, which is thought to explain much of the reduction in energy intake reported in trials.

What it has been studied for

  • Glycaemic control in type 2 diabetes
  • Chronic weight management in obesity and overweight with comorbidity
  • Cardiovascular outcome reduction in specific populations
  • Investigational work in metabolic liver disease and other cardiometabolic conditions

Approved uses

  • Type 2 diabetes mellitus (as an adjunct to diet and exercise)
  • Chronic weight management in defined populations at specific dose ranges
  • Risk reduction of certain cardiovascular events in defined populations

Safety and side effects

The most frequently reported adverse effects in trials are gastrointestinal: nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, and abdominal discomfort. These are usually dose-related and often decrease over time.

Less common but clinically important signals discussed in labelling include pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, and, in patients using insulin or sulfonylureas, hypoglycaemia.

Warnings and contraindications

Labelling includes a boxed warning regarding thyroid C-cell tumours observed in rodents; relevance to humans has not been determined.
Contraindicated in people with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or MEN2, and in known hypersensitivity.
Use in pregnancy, planned pregnancy, and specific gastrointestinal conditions requires clinician assessment.

Compounded / research status

Compounded versions have circulated during periods of shortage. Compounded preparations are not FDA-approved products and are not reviewed for safety, efficacy, or manufacturing quality in the same way.
Material sold online as 'research use only' semaglutide is not a medicine and is not intended or evaluated for human administration.

Investigational uses

Ongoing and completed programmes have examined metabolic liver disease, kidney outcomes, and neurodegenerative endpoints. Investigational endpoints are not approved uses, and results vary in strength and stage.

Frequently asked questions

References

  • FDA prescribing information (GLP-1 receptor agonists)U.S. Food and Drug Administration
  • Phase 3 cardiometabolic outcome trial programmePeer-reviewed clinical literature
  • FDA statements on compounded GLP-1 productsU.S. Food and Drug Administration

Reference entries are editorial placeholders describing source type and origin. Primary documents are linked as each profile is expanded.

Editorial disclaimer

This site is educational and does not provide medical advice, dosing protocols, or treatment recommendations. Regulatory status and evidence strength differ sharply between compounds. A “research use only” label does not indicate that a product is appropriate for human use. Decisions about medicines belong with a qualified clinician.
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