Semaglutide
Also known as NN9535
Semaglutide is a long-acting analogue of human GLP-1. It is one of the most extensively studied incretin-based compounds, with large trials in type 2 diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular outcomes.
Approved drug substance
Size
6 options- Catalog no.
- SM2
- Specification
- 2mg *10vials
- Per kit
- 10 vials
For laboratory research use only. Not for human or animal consumption. Buyers must be 21 or older.
Overview
Semaglutide was developed by Novo Nordisk and shares 94% of its amino acid sequence with human GLP-1. An Aib substitution at position 8 resists breakdown by the enzyme DPP-4, and arginine at position 34 leaves lysine 26 as the attachment site for a C18 fatty diacid side chain. That side chain binds albumin, giving a half-life of about one week in humans. Semaglutide is approved for type 2 diabetes, chronic weight management, and cardiovascular risk reduction in defined populations. The SUSTAIN, PIONEER, and STEP programs and the SELECT outcomes trial make up much of the published evidence.
Class: GLP-1 receptor agonist
Mechanism of action
How the compound acts, as described in the literature.
Activates the GLP-1 receptor, a G protein-coupled receptor that signals mainly through cAMP. Its receptor affinity is about threefold lower than that of liraglutide, offset by much longer circulation.
In pancreatic islets it increases glucose-dependent insulin secretion and lowers glucagon secretion, so its glucose-lowering effect diminishes as glucose approaches normal levels.
Slows gastric emptying and acts on GLP-1 receptors in the hypothalamus and hindbrain to reduce appetite and food intake.
Outcome trials reported fewer major cardiovascular events. Proposed contributors include changes in weight, blood pressure, lipids, and inflammation, but the mechanisms are not settled.
Published research
Selected studies, each linked to its PubMed record. Summaries describe what the studies reported.
2021
Phase 3 RCT
PMID 33567185Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity.
Wilding JPH, et al. · N Engl J Med
STEP 1 randomized 1,961 adults with overweight or obesity without diabetes, alongside lifestyle intervention. Mean body-weight change at 68 weeks was -14.9% with semaglutide versus -2.4% with placebo.
2023
Phase 3 RCT
PMID 37952131Semaglutide and Cardiovascular Outcomes in Obesity without Diabetes.
Lincoff AM, et al. · N Engl J Med
SELECT enrolled 17,604 adults with established cardiovascular disease and overweight or obesity but no diabetes. Cardiovascular death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, or nonfatal stroke occurred in 6.5% versus 8.0% with placebo (hazard ratio 0.80).
2015
Medicinal chemistry study
PMID 26308095Discovery of the Once-Weekly Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) Analogue Semaglutide.
Lau J, et al. · J Med Chem
Described the design of semaglutide, including the Aib8 and Arg34 substitutions and the fatty diacid side chain that drives albumin binding. In minipigs, the plasma half-life was about 46 hours after intravenous administration.
Evidence & safety
What the research does not show, and the adverse events and regulatory status it reports.
Nausea and diarrhea were the most common adverse events in STEP 1, and 4.5% of semaglutide participants stopped treatment because of gastrointestinal events versus 0.8% with placebo; in SELECT, discontinuation for adverse events was 16.6% versus 8.2%. In SUSTAIN-6, diabetic retinopathy complications were significantly more frequent with semaglutide than with placebo. US labeling carries a boxed warning based on thyroid C-cell tumors seen in rodents.
Specifications
All sizes, exactly as catalogued.
| Catalog no. | Product | Specification | Vials per kit |
|---|---|---|---|
| SM2 | Semaglutide | 2mg *10vials | 10 |
| SM5 | Semaglutide | 5mg *10vials | 10 |
| SM10 | Semaglutide | 10mg *10vials | 10 |
| SM15 | Semaglutide | 15mg *10vials | 10 |
| SM20 | Semaglutide | 20mg *10vials | 10 |
| SM30 | Semaglutide | 30mg *10vials | 10 |
For laboratory research use only. Not for human or animal consumption. Not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Research summaries are provided for educational purposes and do not describe this product’s use.