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Semaglutide
Weight Loss

Semaglutide

The Long-Acting GLP-1 Receptor Agonist

Molecular Data

Formula
C187H291N45O59
Molecular Weight
4113.58 g/mol
Sequence
HAibEGTFTSDVSSYLEGQAAKEFIAWLVRGRG (modified)

01

Overview

Semaglutide is a synthetic GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptor agonist developed by Novo Nordisk, structurally based on human GLP-1 with key modifications that confer resistance to DPP-4 enzymatic degradation and albumin binding for an extended half-life of approximately 165 hours. It is approved under the brand names Wegovy (for weight management) and Ozempic (for type 2 diabetes) and has become one of the most clinically impactful incretin-based therapies.

02

Mechanism of Action

Semaglutide mimics endogenous GLP-1, binding the GLP-1 receptor on pancreatic beta cells to stimulate glucose-dependent insulin secretion and suppress glucagon. Peripherally, it slows gastric emptying. Centrally, GLP-1 receptors in the arcuate nucleus and area postrema reduce appetite and increase satiety signaling. Structural modifications include an Aib (aminoisobutyric acid) substitution at position 8 and a spacer-linked C17 fatty acid chain at position 26, enabling reversible albumin binding that extends half-life.

03

Research Highlights

1

STEP clinical trial program demonstrates 15-18% mean body weight reduction over 68 weeks at 2.4 mg weekly

2

SUSTAIN cardiovascular outcomes trial shows reduced major adverse cardiovascular events in type 2 diabetes

3

SELECT trial confirms cardiovascular benefit in overweight adults without diabetes

04

Dosage

Administration & Timing

Subcutaneous (SC) injection into abdominal or gluteal subcutaneous tissue, once weekly. FDA-approved as Wegovy® (weight management) and Ozempic® (T2D); administered any time of day, independent of meals.

Dosage Guidelines

Weight management (Wegovy® escalation)0.25 mg → 0.5 mg → 1.0 mg → 1.7 mg → 2.4 mg weekly (monthly escalation)
Type 2 diabetes (Ozempic®)0.25–1.0 mg weekly
Maintenance research1.0–2.4 mg weekly

Cycle Length

Indefinite in approved indications; dose escalation over 16 weeks to maintenance.

05

Reconstitution

Solvent

Supplied as pre-filled pen — no reconstitution required

Volume

Pre-filled single-dose pen (0.25, 0.5, 1.0, 1.7, 2.4 mg doses)

Concentration

Delivered dose per pen click

Storage

Refrigerate 2–8 °C; can store at room temperature (<30 °C) up to 56 days after first use.

Notes

Rotate injection sites (abdomen, thigh, upper arm). Administer on the same day each week; the time of day may change if >48 hr apart.

Research Reference Only

Dosage and reconstitution values reflect commonly cited ranges from published research literature and are presented for educational and research reference only. This is not medical advice or a dosing recommendation. HEXAGEN does not endorse human use of any compound. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Research Disclaimer

Semaglutide is for educational and research purposes only. Not intended as medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions.

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AOD-9604

AOD-9604

HGH Fragment — Targeted Fat Metabolism

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CJC-1295

CJC-1295

Extended-Release GHRH Analogue

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Ipamorelin

Ipamorelin

The Selective GH Secretagogue

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Frequently Asked Questions

Semaglutide — Common Research Questions

What is Semaglutide?

Semaglutide is a synthetic GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptor agonist developed by Novo Nordisk, structurally based on human GLP-1 with key modifications that confer resistance to DPP-4 enzymati... Semaglutide belongs to the Weight Loss research category and is studied for its the long-acting glp-1 receptor agonist.

How does Semaglutide work?

Semaglutide mimics endogenous GLP-1, binding the GLP-1 receptor on pancreatic beta cells to stimulate glucose-dependent insulin secretion and suppress glucagon. Peripherally, it slows gastric emptying. Centrally, GLP-1 receptors in the arcuate nucleus and area postrema reduce appetite and increase satiety signaling. Structural modifications include an Aib (aminoisobutyric acid) substitution at position 8 and a spacer-linked C17 fatty acid chain at position 26, enabling reversible albumin binding that extends half-life.

What are the key research benefits of Semaglutide?

Significant dose-dependent weight reduction in clinical trials. Improved glycemic control and HbA1c reduction. Appetite suppression via central GLP-1 receptor activation. Gastric emptying delay prolonging satiety. Cardiovascular risk reduction in obese populations. Once-weekly dosing enabled by extended half-life.

What is the molecular structure of Semaglutide?

Semaglutide has the molecular formula C187H291N45O59 and a molecular weight of 4113.58 g/mol. Its amino acid sequence is HAibEGTFTSDVSSYLEGQAAKEFIAWLVRGRG (modified). This structural information is important for researchers studying receptor binding and pharmacokinetics.

What does the research say about Semaglutide?

STEP clinical trial program demonstrates 15-18% mean body weight reduction over 68 weeks at 2.4 mg weekly SUSTAIN cardiovascular outcomes trial shows reduced major adverse cardiovascular events in type 2 diabetes SELECT trial confirms cardiovascular benefit in overweight adults without diabetes These findings are based on preclinical and clinical research. Semaglutide is a research compound and these studies do not constitute medical advice.

Is Semaglutide FDA approved?

Yes. Semaglutide is FDA-approved under the brand names Wegovy® (for weight management) and Ozempic® (for type 2 diabetes).

What category does Semaglutide belong to?

Semaglutide belongs to the Weight Loss category, which focuses on compounds studied for their roles in metabolic regulation, growth hormone signaling, and targeted adipose tissue reduction. You can explore more compounds in this category on the Weight Loss pillar page.

Scientific References

[1]

STEP clinical trial program demonstrates 15-18% mean body weight reduction over 68 weeks at 2.4 mg weekly

[2]

SUSTAIN cardiovascular outcomes trial shows reduced major adverse cardiovascular events in type 2 diabetes

[3]

SELECT trial confirms cardiovascular benefit in overweight adults without diabetes

Compare Semaglutide with Other Compounds