RFK JR. ANNOUNCEMENT · FEB 27 2026 · 14 PEPTIDES RETURN TO CATEGORY 1DATABASE UPDATED · 847 NEW PUBMED CITATIONS THIS WEEKRETATRUTIDE · GRADE B EVIDENCE · 4 NEW CLINICAL TRIALSCOA SCANS · 2,341 BATCHES VERIFIED BY COMMUNITY THIS MONTHFDA ENFORCEMENT · PEPTIDE SCIENCES SHUTDOWN · MAR 2026GLP-1 DIRECTORY · 47 VERIFIED TELEHEALTH CLINICSRFK JR. ANNOUNCEMENT · FEB 27 2026 · 14 PEPTIDES RETURN TO CATEGORY 1DATABASE UPDATED · 847 NEW PUBMED CITATIONS THIS WEEKRETATRUTIDE · GRADE B EVIDENCE · 4 NEW CLINICAL TRIALSCOA SCANS · 2,341 BATCHES VERIFIED BY COMMUNITY THIS MONTHFDA ENFORCEMENT · PEPTIDE SCIENCES SHUTDOWN · MAR 2026GLP-1 DIRECTORY · 47 VERIFIED TELEHEALTH CLINICS
Home/Compounds/Semaglutide
GLP-1 agonistFDA approvedRx required

Semaglutide

Also known as: Ozempic · Wegovy · Rybelsus
Brands: Ozempic · Wegovy · Rybelsus

GLP-1 receptor agonist approved for type 2 diabetes and chronic weight management.

A
Grade A
Multiple human RCTs
Human studies28
PubMed citations30
Typical dose250 mcg – 2.4 mg
Routesubcutaneous, oral
Regulatory (US)FDA approved · Rx
Last verifiedyesterday
TL;DR · 30-second summary
  • Average 15-17% body weight reduction in STEP trials
  • Significant cardiovascular risk reduction in SELECT trial
  • Superior to liraglutide for weight loss
  • Once-weekly dosing improves adherence

Mechanism of action

Mimics glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) to stimulate insulin secretion, reduce glucagon release, slow gastric emptying, and reduce appetite through central nervous system effects.

Evidence summary

28
Human studies
30
PubMed citations
0
Clinical trials
A
Evidence grade

Extensive Phase 3 clinical trial data demonstrating significant weight loss (15-17% body weight) and HbA1c reduction. STEP trials showed sustained efficacy over 68 weeks.

Dosing protocols

Educational information only. Consult a licensed provider before using any peptide.
Dose range
250 mcg – 2.4 mg

Start at 0.25mg weekly, titrate monthly to maintenance dose of 1.0-2.4mg based on indication.

Administration routes
subcutaneousoral

Side effects & safety

Reported side effects
NauseaVomitingDiarrheaConstipationAbdominal painInjection site reactions
Contraindications
  • Personal/family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma
  • Multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2
  • Pregnancy

Interactions

No documented drug interactions on file.

Regulatory status

United States
FDA approved

FDA approved for type 2 diabetes (Ozempic) and chronic weight management (Wegovy)

Compounding
Not permitted

Not available via 503A/503B compounding pharmacies.

Regulatory data last verified 4/17/2026

Citations

PMID 39848681Ryan N, Savulescu J · The Ethics of Ozempic and Wegovy.Journal of medical ethics (2026)HumanPMID 41201884Bansal MB, Patton H et al. · Semaglutide therapy for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis: November 2025 updates to AASLD Practice Guidance.Hepatology (Baltimore, Md.) (2026)PMID 39902055Pillarisetti L, Agrawal DK · Semaglutide: Double-edged Sword with Risks and Benefits.Archives of internal medicine research (2025)PMID 39728000Papakonstantinou I, Tsioufis K et al. · Spotlight on the Mechanism of Action of Semaglutide.Current issues in molecular biology (2025)HumanPMID 38742021Tamayo-Trujillo R, Ruiz-Pozo VA et al. · Molecular mechanisms of semaglutide and liraglutide as a therapeutic option for obesity.Frontiers in nutrition (2024)HumanPMID 39046272Rivera FB, Arias-Aguirre E et al. · Evaluating the safety profile of semaglutide: an updated meta-analysis.Current medical research and opinion (2024)HumanPMID 38952487Yang XD, Yang YY · Clinical Pharmacokinetics of Semaglutide: A Systematic Review.Drug design, development and therapy (2024)HumanPMID 38639998Kosinski TF · Ozempic and dental therapy.General dentistry (2024)HumanPMID 38629387Bikou A, Dermiki-Gkana F et al. · A systematic review of the effect of semaglutide on lean mass: insights from clinical trials.Expert opinion on pharmacotherapy (2024)HumanPMID 38206146Carboni A, Woessner S et al. · Natural Weight Loss or "Ozempic Face": Demystifying A Social Media Phenomenon.Journal of drugs in dermatology : JDD (2024)HumanPMID 38206684Mawardi HH, Almazrooa SA et al. · Semaglutide-associated hyposalivation: A report of case series.Medicine (2024)HumanPMID 38574433Li X, Luo W et al. · Semaglutide attenuates doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity by ameliorating BNIP3-Mediated mitochondrial dysfunction.Redox biology (2024)HumanPMID 38241775Long B, Pelletier J et al. · GLP-1 agonists: A review for emergency clinicians.The American journal of emergency medicine (2024)HumanPMID 38673931Feier CVI, Vonica RC et al. · Assessment of Thyroid Carcinogenic Risk and Safety Profile of GLP1-RA Semaglutide (Ozempic) Therapy for Diabetes Mellitus and Obesity: A Systematic Literature Review.International journal of molecular sciences (2024)HumanPMID 38135891Bartel S, McElroy SL et al. · Use of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists in eating disorder populations.The International journal of eating disorders (2024)HumanPMID 36608818Bailey CJ, Flatt PR et al. · An update on peptide-based therapies for type 2 diabetes and obesity.Peptides (2023)HumanPMID 37192005Chuong V, Farokhnia M et al. · The glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) analogue semaglutide reduces alcohol drinking and modulates central GABA neurotransmission.JCI insight (2023)HumanPMID 34942372Chao AM, Tronieri JS et al. · Semaglutide for the treatment of obesity.Trends in cardiovascular medicine (2023)HumanPMID 37541662Humphrey CD, Lawrence AC · Implications of Ozempic and Other Semaglutide Medications for Facial Plastic Surgeons.Facial plastic surgery : FPS (2023)HumanPMID 34260945Zhang X, Belousoff MJ et al. · Structure and dynamics of semaglutide- and taspoglutide-bound GLP-1R-Gs complexes.Cell reports (2022)Human

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