Compound profile
Semaglutide
Also known as Ozempic, Wegovy, Rybelsus
Last reviewed October 2026
Educational only. A summary of published research, not medical advice or a recommendation. No doses are listed.
Quick take
A long-acting GLP-1 receptor agonist that lowers blood sugar, slows stomach emptying and reduces appetite.
- Class
- GLP-1 & weight-loss peptides
- Status
- FDA-approved
- Evidence
- Large human trials
- Half-life
- About 1 week
Mechanism fingerprint
What it acts on, and how. Each chip links to that pathway on the map.
Mimics the gut hormone GLP-1. A fatty-acid side chain lets it bind to albumin in the blood, which is why a single injection lasts about a week.
What makes it different
Acts on a single receptor (GLP-1), and an albumin-binding side chain makes one injection last about a week.
Compare side by side
Mechanism & pathways
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Agonist
GLP-1 receptor
Receptor for the gut hormone GLP-1, found on insulin-making cells in the pancreas, in the brain and in the gut. Activating it boosts insulin release when blood sugar is high, slows stomach emptying and reduces appetite.
Leads to Insulin receptor & insulin signaling
Evidence overview
Large human trials
Studied in tens of thousands of people across the SUSTAIN (diabetes), STEP (weight) and SELECT (heart outcomes) trial programs.
A breakdown into human, animal and cell studies hasn't been added for this compound yet.
Why it's used
Lowers blood sugar in type 2 diabetes, helps with substantial weight loss, and lowers heart attack and stroke risk in people with heart disease and excess weight.
Side effects & risks
Reported side effects
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or constipation
- Abdominal pain
- Headache and fatigue
Risks and warnings
- Pancreatitis and gallbladder problems, including gallstones
- Low blood sugar when combined with insulin or sulfonylureas
- Dehydration from stomach side effects can harm the kidneys
- Boxed warning: thyroid C-cell tumors in rodents; not for people with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer or MEN 2
FAQ
Short answers taken from this profile.
What is Semaglutide?
A long-acting GLP-1 receptor agonist that lowers blood sugar, slows stomach emptying and reduces appetite.
How does Semaglutide work?
Mimics the gut hormone GLP-1. A fatty-acid side chain lets it bind to albumin in the blood, which is why a single injection lasts about a week.
What receptors or pathways does Semaglutide act on?
GLP-1 receptor (agonist). Downstream, that leads to insulin receptor & insulin signaling.
How is Semaglutide different from similar compounds?
Acts on a single receptor (GLP-1), and an albumin-binding side chain makes one injection last about a week.
What is the half-life of Semaglutide?
About 1 week.
Is Semaglutide approved?
FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes (Ozempic, Rybelsus) and for chronic weight management and cardiovascular risk reduction (Wegovy).
What has Semaglutide been studied for?
Lowers blood sugar in type 2 diabetes, helps with substantial weight loss, and lowers heart attack and stroke risk in people with heart disease and excess weight.
How strong is the evidence?
Large human trials. Studied in tens of thousands of people across the SUSTAIN (diabetes), STEP (weight) and SELECT (heart outcomes) trial programs.
What are the main risks?
Pancreatitis and gallbladder problems, including gallstones. Low blood sugar when combined with insulin or sulfonylureas. Dehydration from stomach side effects can harm the kidneys. More are listed under risks and warnings.
Sources
- Wilding JPH et al. Once-weekly semaglutide in adults with overweight or obesity. N Engl J Med 2021 (STEP 1).
- Lincoff AM et al. Semaglutide and cardiovascular outcomes in obesity without diabetes. N Engl J Med 2023 (SELECT).
- FDA prescribing information for Ozempic and Wegovy.