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Metabolic · FDA Approved

Semaglutide (Ozempic/Wegovy)

FDA-approved

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Written by Peptide Association Editorial TeamLast reviewed Editorial policy

01 · Overview

A glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA) that differs from native GLP-1 by two amino acid substitutions (about 94% sequence identity) plus a fatty acid side chain that increases albumin binding and protects against degradation (PMID 26308095). Semaglutide enhances glucose-dependent insulin secretion, suppresses glucagon, delays gastric emptying, and acts on brain GLP-1 receptors to reduce appetite.

Its half-life in humans is approximately 1 week (PMID 30565096).

02 · Research summary & key findings

In STEP 1, adults with overweight or obesity without diabetes lost a mean 14.9% of body weight at 68 weeks versus 2.4% with placebo (PMID 33567185). The SELECT trial (2023) showed a 20% relative reduction in major adverse cardiovascular events in adults with overweight or obesity and established cardiovascular disease but without diabetes (hazard ratio 0.80) (PMID 37952131). FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes (Ozempic 2017, oral Rybelsus 2019) and chronic weight management (Wegovy 2021).

03 · Regulatory status

Semaglutide (Ozempic/Wegovy) has received FDA approval and is available for clinical use under appropriate medical supervision. Consult a qualified healthcare provider for prescribing information.

04 · Administration routes

  • Subcutaneous injection (weekly)
  • Oral (daily - Rybelsus)

References

  1. [1]Discovery of the Once-Weekly Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) Analogue Semaglutide J Med Chem, 2015. PMID 26308095
  2. [2]Safety and Pharmacokinetics of Single and Multiple Ascending Doses of the Novel Oral Human GLP-1 Analogue, Oral Semaglutide, in Healthy Subjects and Subjects with Type 2 Diabetes Clin Pharmacokinet, 2019. PMID 30565096
  3. [3]Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity N Engl J Med, 2021. PMID 33567185
  4. [4]Semaglutide and Cardiovascular Outcomes in Obesity without Diabetes N Engl J Med, 2023. PMID 37952131

Primary literature

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Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational and research purposes only. It is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting any peptide therapy. The Peptide Association does not endorse or recommend any specific treatment protocol. See our editorial policy for how this content is produced and reviewed. Clinicians: join the network.