Structure · schematic
Peptide chain of 31 amino acids · GLP-1-Analog
Schematic representation of the amino acid chain — not a chemical structural formula. Each node represents one amino acid (shown truncated).
Research areas*
* Contexts in which the peptide has been scientifically studied — not assured or recommended effects.
Mechanism of action
- Semaglutide is a synthetic analog of the body's own incretin hormone GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1).
- It binds with high affinity to the GLP-1 receptor in the pancreas, CNS and peripheral tissue.
- In the pancreas, it enhances glucose-dependent insulin secretion and inhibits glucagon release.
- In the hypothalamus, effects on satiety centres and food intake have been described.
- Through chemical modifications (a C18 fatty-acid side chain), semaglutide binds reversibly to albumin, which extends the half-life to about 7 days and enables once-weekly administration.
Research status
- Semaglutide is the most extensively clinically studied substance within the GLP-1 analog class.
- The SUSTAIN study programme (8 Phase III studies, >8,000 subjects) established the substance in the context of type 2 diabetes.
- SUSTAIN-6 (2016) showed a reduction in cardiovascular events compared with placebo.
- The STEP programme (2021–2022) investigated semaglutide at higher doses in obesity and documented substantial reductions in body weight.
- The FLOW programme (2024) investigated nephroprotective effects in diabetic kidney disease.
- Current research is investigating possible effects on neurodegenerative diseases (EVOKE study, 2024).
Evidence level
Cited studies
Known risks
- 01Gastrointestinal side effects: nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea — especially at the start of treatment (described in 20–40% of participants in clinical studies)
- 02Pancreatitis risk: rare cases described in studies; contraindicated with a prior history
- 03Possible association with thyroid carcinomas (in animal models; clinical relevance unclear)
- 04Slowed gastric emptying can affect drug interactions
- 05Ophthalmological complications: worsening of diabetic retinopathy described in SUSTAIN-6
- 06Muscle loss possible with rapid weight loss (current research question)
- 07Contraindication: personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or MEN2
Frequently asked questions
What is Semaglutid?
Semaglutide is a synthetic analog of the body's own incretin hormone GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1).
What type of peptide is Semaglutid?
Semaglutid belongs to the GLP-1 analog class.
Is Semaglutid legal in Germany?
Semaglutid is prescription-only in Germany and may only be obtained with a medical prescription.
Where can I buy Semaglutid?
Peptica sells nothing and names no sources. Semaglutid is "prescription-only" in Germany; obtaining unapproved substances outside clinical studies is illegal and carries quality and safety risks.
Is Semaglutid banned in sport (WADA)?
Semaglutid is currently not on the WADA Prohibited List.
What are the known risks of Semaglutid?
Documented risks include: Gastrointestinal side effects: nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea — especially at the start of treatment (described in 20–40% of participants in clinical studies); Pancreatitis risk: rare cases described in studies; contraindicated with a prior history. This is not a complete safety assessment and not medical advice — see the risks section for the full list.
How well researched is Semaglutid?
The evidence is classified as “clinically established”. 3 studies are cited on this page.
What is the molecular weight of Semaglutid?
Semaglutid has a molar mass of about 4113.58 Da, with a plasma half-life of ~7 days.
Which peptides are related to Semaglutid?
Closely related entries: Tirzepatid, Retatrutid. A direct side-by-side comparison is available via the compare function.
Related entries
Legal status
Germany
prescription-onlyAustria
prescription-onlySwitzerland
prescription-onlyEU
approved medicineUSA
prescription-onlyCanada
prescription-onlyLegal status varies by country and can change. This is not legal advice.
Sources & methodology
- 3 peer-reviewed studies cited, linked to PubMed where available.
- Molecular data verified against PubChem and primary literature. PubChem CID 56843331
- Editorial standard: no dosage guidance, no sources, evidence level stated explicitly.
Last editorially reviewed: 1 May 2026
Important notice
This site is intended solely for factual, scientifically oriented information about peptides. It does not constitute medical advice, does not replace a consultation with a doctor and contains no recommendations for use in humans.
This site does not sell any substances and names no sources for unapproved substances. For medical questions, please consult qualified medical professionals.
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