Semaglutide
An acylated GLP-1 receptor agonist approved by the FDA for type 2 diabetes and chronic weight management. Included here as a reference profile only.
| Total citations | 4 |
|---|---|
| Human clinical studies | 3 |
| Animal models | 0 |
| In vitro studies | 0 |
| Reviews / meta-analyses | 1 |
Mechanism of action
Semaglutide is a selective GLP-1 receptor agonist. Receptor activation on pancreatic beta cells raises intracellular cAMP, potentiating glucose-dependent insulin secretion while suppressing glucagon, and slows gastric emptying.
Central GLP-1 receptor signalling in hypothalamic and hindbrain circuits reduces appetite and energy intake, which drives the weight-loss effect. Position 26 lysine carries a C18 fatty di-acid via a hydrophilic spacer, giving albumin binding and a once-weekly profile; a position 8 modification confers DPP-4 resistance.
Peer-reviewed literature
Study type is tagged on every entry so animal and in-vitro findings are never mistaken for human clinical evidence.
Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity
The STEP 1 phase 3 randomised trial in overweight and obesity.
Semaglutide and Cardiovascular Outcomes in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes
SUSTAIN-6 cardiovascular outcomes trial in type 2 diabetes.
Semaglutide and Cardiovascular Outcomes in Obesity without Diabetes
The SELECT trial, in obesity without diabetes.
GLP-1 physiology informs the pharmacotherapy of obesity
Authoritative review of GLP-1 physiology and its pharmacological exploitation.
Limitations & open questions
Semaglutide is an FDA-approved prescription medicine (Ozempic, Rybelsus, Wegovy) and is under patent. It is a regulated drug product, not a research chemical.