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Semaglutide (GLP-1 Class Overview)
Also known as: Ozempic, Wegovy, Rybelsus
Confidence
Updated 2026-03-18
Semaglutide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist approved for type 2 diabetes and chronic weight management. It represents the leading edge of the incretin-based therapy revolution and has become one of the most widely prescribed peptide therapeutics globally. Available in both injectable (Ozempic, Wegovy) and oral (Rybelsus) formulations.
Class
GLP-1 Receptor Agonist
Routes
Subcutaneous, Oral
Half-Life
~7 days (168 hours)
Semaglutide mimics the incretin hormone GLP-1, binding to GLP-1 receptors to stimulate insulin secretion, suppress glucagon release, slow gastric emptying, and reduce appetite through central nervous system pathways. It achieves a 94% structural homology with native GLP-1 while incorporating modifications that extend its half-life to approximately 7 days, enabling once-weekly dosing.
Half-Life
~7 days (168 hours)
Bioavailability
Subcutaneous: ~89% | Oral: ~0.4–1%
Type 2 diabetes mellitus, chronic weight management (BMI ≥30 or ≥27 with comorbidities), cardiovascular risk reduction in T2D patients. SELECT trial demonstrated 20% reduction in major adverse cardiovascular events.
Among the most extensively studied peptide therapeutics. STEP trials demonstrated 14.9–17.4% mean body weight reduction. SUSTAIN trials confirmed HbA1c reductions of 1.5–1.8%. SELECT trial showed 20% reduction in MACE events. Over 45,000 participants across Phase III programs.
Human Studies
200
Animal Studies
150
Common: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea (typically transient). Rare but serious: pancreatitis, medullary thyroid carcinoma (black box warning in rodent studies), gallbladder events. Contraindicated in personal/family history of MTC or MEN2.
FDA-approved: Ozempic (2017), Wegovy (2021), Rybelsus (2019). EMA-approved. Compounded versions under FDA scrutiny following shortage resolution. March 2026: FDA issued 30 warning letters to telehealth companies marketing compounded GLP-1 products.
Recent Regulatory Activity
Drug Interactions: May enhance hypoglycemia risk when combined with insulin or sulfonylureas — dose adjustments required. Delays gastric emptying, potentially affecting absorption of oral medications. Monitoring: Regular A1C, renal function, lipase/amylase. Screen for retinopathy progression in diabetic patients. Ophthalmologic exam recommended before initiation. Contraindications: Personal/family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or MEN2 syndrome. Active pancreatitis. Severe GI disease. Research Gaps: Long-term (10+ year) cancer safety data still accumulating. Optimal duration of therapy for weight management undefined. Effects on bone density and lean mass during rapid weight loss under investigation. Off-label: Increasingly prescribed for NAFLD/NASH, polycystic ovary syndrome, and addiction disorders — evidence is emerging but not definitive.
Subcutaneous (Wegovy)
Common Range
0.25 mg → 2.4 mg
Timing
Once weekly, any time of day
Frequency
Weekly
Cycling
Dose escalation over 16–20 weeks: 0.25mg (wk 1–4) → 0.5mg (wk 5–8) → 1.0mg (wk 9–12) → 1.7mg (wk 13–16) → 2.4mg (wk 17+)
Storage
Refrigerated (36–46°F) before first use; room temp up to 28 days after
Important Note
Inject in abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. Rotate injection sites.
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Disclaimer: This content is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a licensed healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or modifying any peptide therapy. PeptideSupplierMatch does not prescribe, sell, or distribute peptides.
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