Semaglutide

Overview

Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist used for type 2 diabetes management and chronic weight management. It mimics the incretin hormone GLP-1 to regulate appetite and glucose metabolism.

Mechanism of Action

Binds to and activates GLP-1 receptors, leading to enhanced insulin secretion, reduced glucagon secretion, delayed gastric emptying, and reduced appetite through central nervous system effects.

Research Summary

The STEP program (STEP 1–8) showed average weight loss of roughly 15% of body weight over 68 weeks with weekly 2.4 mg semaglutide (STEP 1: Wilding et al., NEJM 2021, PMID 33567185). The SUSTAIN program established A1c and cardiovascular benefit in type 2 diabetes. The PIONEER program established efficacy of oral semaglutide (Rybelsus) versus placebo, sitagliptin, empagliflozin, and liraglutide (PIONEER 4, PMID 31186120). The SELECT trial (Lincoff et al., NEJM 2023, PMID 37952131) showed a 20% relative reduction in major adverse cardiovascular events in adults with overweight/obesity and established cardiovascular disease but without diabetes, leading to an expanded Wegovy indication.

Vendors selling Semaglutide

Scored vendors carrying Semaglutide, ranked by trust grade. Grades are computed from indexed Certificates of Analysis. Full $/mg pricing is on the comparison page.

Prescribers who offer Semaglutide

461 prescribers in our directory work with Semaglutide, each confirmed from their own website. Peptides like Semaglutide require a prescription from a licensed provider — telehealth options are available.

Reported Side Effects

• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation (most common; usually dose-dependent and transient)
• Abdominal pain and dyspepsia
• Decreased appetite and early satiety; delayed gastric emptying
• Injection site reactions (SubQ forms)
• Acute pancreatitis (uncommon; discontinue if suspected)
• Gallbladder disease (cholelithiasis, cholecystitis)
• Acute kidney injury, often secondary to dehydration from GI losses
• Hypoglycemia (primarily when combined with insulin or sulfonylureas)
• Diabetic retinopathy complications in patients with preexisting retinopathy

Biomarkers researchers track for Semaglutide

These biomarkers appear in the research literature as measures of response and safety for this compound.

Related Peptides

Compare Semaglutide with Others

Research References

• Wilding JPH, et al. STEP 1: Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity. New England Journal of Medicine. 2021;384(11):989-1002. PMID 33567185.
• Lincoff AM, et al. SELECT: Semaglutide and Cardiovascular Outcomes in Obesity without Diabetes. New England Journal of Medicine. 2023;389(24):2221-2232. PMID 37952131.
• Pratley R, et al. PIONEER 4: Oral semaglutide versus subcutaneous liraglutide and placebo in type 2 diabetes. The Lancet. 2019;394(10192):39-50. PMID 31186120.

Frequently asked questions

Has Semaglutide been independently lab-tested?

Disclosed Labs has collected 142 Certificates of Analysis (COA) for Semaglutide from 14 independent testing labs. 30 vendors have submitted material for testing. Products average 99.6% tested purity across the corpus. Full testing data is available at https://www.disclosedlabs.com/peptides/semaglutide/testing.

What is the average purity of Semaglutide on the market?

Based on 142 COAs analyzed by Disclosed Labs, Semaglutide products average 99.6% (±0.3%) tested purity. Individual vendor results vary; see per-vendor COA data at https://www.disclosedlabs.com/peptides/semaglutide/coas.

Which labs have tested Semaglutide?

Independent labs that have tested Semaglutide include: ILS Labs (Grade A), Ethos Analytics (Grade B). Full lab credibility grades and profiles are at https://www.disclosedlabs.com/labs.

Where can researchers source Semaglutide?

8 vendors with Disclosed Labs trust grades currently list Semaglutide, including Ion Peptide, Peptide Partners, Synthesis Peptides. Compare live prices and lab-verified COAs at https://www.disclosedlabs.com/prices/semaglutide.

Which prescribers offer Semaglutide with a prescription?

461 prescribers in the Disclosed Labs directory work with Semaglutide, each confirmed from their own website, with telehealth options available. Semaglutide requires a prescription from a licensed provider. Browse them at https://www.disclosedlabs.com/prescribers?peptide=Semaglutide.

How does Semaglutide work?

Binds to and activates GLP-1 receptors, leading to enhanced insulin secretion, reduced glucagon secretion, delayed gastric emptying, and reduced appetite through central nervous system effects.

What does the research say about Semaglutide?

The STEP program (STEP 1–8) showed average weight loss of roughly 15% of body weight over 68 weeks with weekly 2.4 mg semaglutide (STEP 1: Wilding et al., NEJM 2021, PMID 33567185). The SUSTAIN program established A1c and cardiovascular benefit in type 2 diabetes. The PIONEER program established efficacy of oral semaglutide (Rybelsus) versus placebo, sitagliptin, empagliflozin, and liraglutide (PIONEER 4, PMID 31186120). The SELECT trial (Lincoff et al., NEJM 2023, PMID 37952131) showed a 20% relative reduction in major adverse cardiovascular events in adults with overweight/obesity and established cardiovascular disease but without diabetes, leading to an expanded Wegovy indication.