Semaglutide is a synthetic derivative of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). It is an FDA-approved drug used for the management of type 2 diabetes. It has been shown to be safe and effective for weight loss and reducing cardiovascular risk. It also might be beneficial in improving lung function and Alzheimer’s disease.

Semaglutide was first designed in 2012 in order to make a GLP-1 analogue with a long half-life that is resistant to degradation. FDA first approved it under the brand name Ozempic in December 2017. In September 2019, oral semaglutide (Rybelsus) was approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes in adults. Semaglutide for sale is available at Pinnacle Peptides to support your research.

From Pubchem

Synonyms: Semaglutide, Ozempic, Rybelsus
Molecular Formula: C187H291N45O59
Molecular Weight: 4114 g/mol
CAS number: 910463-68-2
PubChem CID: 56843331

Semaglutide is structurally similar to human GLP-1 with minor variations. It binds to GLP-1 receptors and mimics the physiological actions of glucagon-like peptide-1. It promotes insulin production and stimulates the synthesis of pancreatic beta cells responsible for insulin formation and release. Furthermore, it inhibits glucagon secretion that promotes gluconeogenesis (synthesis of glucose from non-carbohydrate sources) and glycogenolysis (breakdown of glycogen into glucose). Additionally, it reduces body fat, food intake and appetite.

1. Diabetes

FDA approved semaglutide after a series of successful trials called SUSTAIN (Semaglutide Unabated Sustainability in Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes). These trials played an important role in establishing the dose of semaglutide for type 2 diabetes. It is important to note that these trials are still ongoing and currently semaglutide is in phase 3.

The most recent SUSTAIN trial was published in 2022. It found that weekly administration of semaglutide led to a more substantial reduction in HbA1C levels when compared to thrice-daily insulin aspart. Additionally, individuals who received semaglutide treatment also experienced greater weight loss compared to those who were prescribed insulin aspart [1].

2. Weight Loss

Extensive research has been conducted on semaglutide's potential for inducing weight loss. In a 2018 study, the effect of baseline BMI and the occurrence of nausea and vomiting on semaglutide-induced weight loss was examined. The findings indicated that a higher baseline BMI was associated with significant weight loss, with no reports of nausea and vomiting. Furthermore, semaglutide showed greater weight loss effects compared to comparators, whether they received a placebo or other GLP-1 agonists, irrespective of their initial BMI [2].

In a subsequent study conducted over 52 weeks, semaglutide was found to be well-tolerated, with nausea being the most commonly observed side effect. When combined with lifestyle and dietary adjustments, semaglutide produced greater weight loss than a placebo [3]. Similarly, another study reported that overweight or obese adults who completed a 20-week lead-in period and continued semaglutide treatment experienced ongoing weight loss compared to those on placebo [4].

A literature review article published in 2023 summarized the outcomes of three clinical trials (SUSTAIN, PIONEER, and STEP) and investigated the weight loss effects of semaglutide. The review concluded that both oral and injectable forms of semaglutide exhibited superior efficacy in promoting weight loss compared to placebos and other medications. This success ultimately led to FDA approval for semaglutide's use in weight loss [5].

At present, two phase-three clinical trials, known as the Evoke trial and the Evoke plus trial, are underway to evaluate the effectiveness of semaglutide in early Alzheimer's disease [6]. Additionally, the SOUL and SELECT trials are ongoing to investigate cardiovascular outcomes in individuals with type 2 diabetes who are using semaglutide [7, 8]. At Pinnacle Peptides, the semaglutide purchase is limited to educational and research purposes. We encourage you to only buy semaglutide if you are a qualified researcher.

1. Kellerer, M., et al., Effect of once-weekly semaglutide versus thrice-daily insulin aspart, both as add-on to metformin and optimized insulin glargine treatment in participants with type 2 diabetes (SUSTAIN 11): A randomized, open-label, multinational, phase 3b trial. Diabetes Obes Metab, 2022. 24(9): p. 1788-1799.
2. Ahrén, B., et al., Semaglutide induces weight loss in subjects with type 2 diabetes regardless of baseline BMI or gastrointestinal adverse events in the SUSTAIN 1 to 5 trials. Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism, 2018. 20(9): p. 2210-2219.
3. Gao, X., et al., Efficacy and safety of semaglutide on weight loss in obese or overweight patients without diabetes: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 2022. 13.
4. Rubino, D., et al., Effect of Continued Weekly Subcutaneous Semaglutide vs Placebo on Weight Loss Maintenance in Adults With Overweight or Obesity: The STEP 4 Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA, 2021. 325(14): p. 1414-1425.
5. Singh, G., M. Krauthamer, and M. Bjalme-Evans, Wegovy (Semaglutide): A New Weight Loss Drug for Chronic Weight Management. Journal of Investigative Medicine, 2022. 70(1): p. 5-13.
6. Atri, A., et al., evoke and evoke+: design of two large-scale, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 3 studies evaluating the neuroprotective effects of semaglutide in early Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer's & Dementia, 2022. 18(S10): p. E062415.
7. McGuire, D.K., et al., Effects of oral semaglutide on cardiovascular outcomes in individuals with type 2 diabetes and established atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and/or chronic kidney disease: Design and baseline characteristics of SOUL, a randomized trial. Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism, 2023. 25(7): p. 1932-1941.
8. Ryan, D.H., et al., Semaglutide Effects on Cardiovascular Outcomes in People With Overweight or Obesity (SELECT) rationale and design. Am Heart J, 2020. 229: p. 61-69.