| Compound | Semaglutide |
|---|---|
| Category | GLP-1 receptor agonist |
| Class | GLP-1 and Incretin Therapies |
| Evidence tier | Approved medicine |
| WADA status | Not individually listed; verify current status if subject to testing |
| Sold on this site | No — this is a reference database |
Overview
This entry covers Semaglutide, a glp-1 receptor agonist, graded "Approved medicine" in this catalog's evidence system. This compound exists as an approved medicine in at least one major jurisdiction. Approval applies to specific, labeled indications and to the regulated product — not to compounded or research-grade copies.
A long-acting GLP-1 receptor agonist approved in injectable form for type 2 diabetes (Ozempic) and chronic weight management (Wegovy), and in oral form (Rybelsus). It is among the most extensively studied molecules in the peptide space.
Mechanism of Action
Semaglutide mimics endogenous GLP-1: it enhances glucose-dependent insulin secretion, suppresses inappropriate glucagon release, slows gastric emptying, and acts on central appetite circuits to reduce hunger and energy intake. An attached C18 fatty-diacid chain promotes albumin binding, extending its half-life to roughly one week and allowing once-weekly injection.
Research and Evidence
The STEP 1 randomized trial (n=1,961) reported a mean body-weight reduction of 14.9% with once-weekly semaglutide 2.4 mg versus 2.4% with placebo over 68 weeks. Large cardiovascular outcome trials in type 2 diabetes have additionally supported cardiometabolic benefit.
Safety and Side Effects
The most common adverse effects are gastrointestinal — nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation — and are often dose-related. Labeled warnings include gallbladder disease, pancreatitis, and, in patients with type 2 diabetes, retinopathy complications. It is contraindicated in individuals with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or MEN2.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the evidence tier of Semaglutide?
Semaglutide is graded "Approved medicine" on this site. This compound exists as an approved medicine in at least one major jurisdiction. Approval applies to specific, labeled indications and to the regulated product — not to compounded or research-grade copies.
Is Semaglutide an approved medicine?
Semaglutide exists as an approved medicine in at least one major jurisdiction — but approval covers the regulated product and its labeled indications only. Compounded or research-grade versions of the same molecule are not the approved product.
Where can I read the primary studies for Semaglutide?
The references section at the end of this entry links the key primary sources — regulator labels, trial registrations, and peer-reviewed papers. Our "How to Read a Peptide Study" guide explains how to evaluate them.
References
- Wilding JPH, et al. Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity (STEP 1). N Engl J Med 2021. [source]
- Drucker DJ. Mechanisms of Action and Therapeutic Application of Glucagon-Like Peptide-1. Cell Metab 2018. [source]
- ClinicalTrials.gov — registered semaglutide studies. [source]
Evidence tier: Approved medicine · Last reviewed: 2026-09-05 · Sources cited below.