Semaglutide Peptide Profile

Overview:
Semaglutide is a long‑acting glucagon‑like peptide‑1 (GLP‑1) receptor agonist, structurally modified from native GLP‑1 to resist enzymatic degradation and prolong its activity. It enhances glucose‑dependent insulin secretion, suppresses inappropriate glucagon release, delays gastric emptying, and reduces appetite, making it effective for type 2 diabetes (T2D) management and chronic weight loss. It is approved under the brand names Ozempic® (T2D), Rybelsus® (oral), and Wegovy® (weight loss). (en.wikipedia.org)

Mechanism of Action:
Semaglutide binds to the GLP‑1 receptor, mimicking the effects of endogenous GLP‑1 to:
• Enhance insulin secretion in response to meals
• Suppress postprandial glucagon secretion
• Slow gastric emptying, promoting satiety
• Reduce appetite through central hypothalamic pathways
• Improve β‑cell function and insulin sensitivity over time

Clinical Benefits:
In SUSTAIN (T2D) and STEP (weight loss) trials, semaglutide significantly:
• Improved HbA1c control in T2D
• Reduced body weight by 10–16 %+ in obesity treatment
• Lowered cardiovascular risk markers

Safety Profile:
Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and fatigue. Rare risks include pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, and thyroid C‑cell tumors (seen in rodents). (fda.gov)

Semaglutide Dosing Chart (Approved Guidelines)
| Brand | Initial Dose | Maintenance Dose | Route | Indication |
| Ozempic® | 0.25 mg/week | 0.5–2.0 mg/week | Subcutaneous | T2D & CV risk reduction
| Wegovy® | 0.25 mg/week | Up to 2.4 mg/week | Subcutaneous | Chronic weight management
| Rybelsus® | 3 mg/day | 7–14 mg/day | Oral tablet | T2D (oral GLP‑1RA option)

References (APA):
Semaglutide. (n.d.). Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Semaglutide
Davies, M. J., et al. (2021). Semaglutide for weight management. New England Journal of Medicine, 384, 989–1002. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2032183
FDA Prescribing Information – Wegovy®. (2021). https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2021/215256s000lbl.pdf
Wilding, J. P. H., et al. (2021). Once-weekly semaglutide in adults with overweight or obesity. NEJM, 384(11), 989–1002. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2032183