Semaglutide

Technical data

INN name

Semaglutide

Development code

NN9535

CAS

910463-68-2

Molecular formula

C187H291N45O59

Molecular weight

4113.58 g/mol

Identity and composition

Semaglutide is an acylated analogue of human glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), studied as a selective agonist of the GLP-1 receptor (GLP-1R) in models of glycemic control and satiety. Product for research use.

Chemical identity data (verifiable reference):

• CAS: 910463-68-2
• Molecular formula: C187H291N45O59
• Molecular weight: ~4114 g/mol (value calculated by PubChem, rounded)
• Synonyms: Semaglutide, NN9535

The amino acid sequence was not confirmed in an open source during this research, so it is omitted. It is a modified high-molecular-weight peptide, not a small molecule.

Mechanism of action

Semaglutide is an acylated analog of human GLP-1, with about 94% sequence homology to native GLP-1. It has a substitution at position 8 (Ala8 for Aib) that confers resistance to degradation by the enzyme DPP-4, and it carries a C18 fatty diacid chain attached via a γGlu-2xOEG linker (Knudsen & Lau, 2019; PMID 31031702).

Acts as selective GLP-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1R). The C18 diacid chain gives it high reversible binding affinity to albumin, which reduces renal clearance, protects against metabolic degradation, and prolongs the half-life. At the receptor level, the activation of GLP-1R has been linked with glycemic effects (stimulation of glucose-dependent insulin secretion and suppression of glucagon) and with central satiety signaling (Knudsen & Lau, 2019; PMID 31031702).

Pharmacokinetics

In humans a ... has been described prolonged half-life of approximately 160 h, compatible with weekly subcutaneous administration. The main mechanism of this prolongation is reversible binding to albumin through the C18 diacid chain, which decreases renal clearance and protects against degradation.

In preclinical models (minipig) an apparent half-life of approximately 75 h was reported after a subcutaneous dose and of approximately 55 h after an intravenous dose. These animal values are not directly extrapolable to other species and must be interpreted as a preclinical reference.

Scientific evidence

Semaglutide is a widely studied compound within the GLP-1R agonist class. The clinical trial programs include the series SUSTAIN (type 2 diabetes) and the series STEP (overweight and obesity). As an example of the research context, the trial STEP 1 is a phase 3 study that evaluated semaglutide 2.4 mg subcutaneous once weekly in subjects with overweight or obesity (NCT03548935).

The investigated indications cover type 2 diabetes and glycemic control, as well as obesity/overweight and weight reduction; in addition there is research on cardiovascular outcomes and other metabolic areas. Specific efficacy conclusions must be interpreted trial by trial and are not generalized from this summary.

Research applications

Product for research use.

It may be of interest for:

• In vitro and preclinical studies on GLP-1 receptor (GLP-1R) agonism.
• Research into glycemic signaling mechanisms (glucose-dependent insulin secretion, glucagon suppression) and central satiety in models.
• Comparative work within the class of acylated GLP-1 analogs.

Not applicable for:

• Therapeutic, diagnostic or clinical or veterinary use.
• Self-administration or preparation of formulations intended for people.
• Any application outside a controlled research environment.

Research protocols

In the context of the cited trials, semaglutide has been studied by the route of subcutaneous with once-weekly dosing. As a reference documented in the literature consulted, the STEP 1 trial evaluated a dose of 2.4 mg subcutaneous weekly in overweight or obese subjects (NCT03548935).

The presentations of this product (2 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg, 15 mg, 20 mg, and 30 mg) correspond to quantities of research material and do not constitute dosing recommendations. No additional validated titration schemes are available in the consulted literature, so none are detailed; any protocol must be defined by the investigator according to their experimental design.

Reconstitution

As general laboratory guidance, lyophilized peptides are usually reconstituted with bacteriostatic water (sterile water with approximately 0.9% benzyl alcohol), which allows multiple withdrawals by inhibiting microbial growth.

Standard handling guidelines:

• Add the diluent, letting it run slowly down the wall of the vial, without directing the stream directly onto the powder.
• Do not shake; swirl the vial gently until completely dissolved.
• Allow the solution to reach clarity before handling it.

The reconstitution volume is chosen according to the working concentration desired for the experiment.

Stability and storage

As a laboratory handling standard:

• Lyophilized: the powdered material is more stable and is usually stored refrigerated; for prolonged storage, freezing is recommended, protected from moisture and light.
• Reconstituted: once in solution, keep refrigerated and use within a short period; it is advisable to avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles, which can degrade the peptide.

Use aseptic technique at all times and record the reconstitution date. These are general qualitative guidelines; the exact times must be validated in the laboratory.

Safety profile

In this research a full verification of the regulatory label was not performed of semaglutide, so the detailed safety profile cannot be affirmed here. The warnings proper to the class of GLP-1R agonists and the contraindications must be confirmed in the technical data sheet and in the corresponding regulatory sources (for example, FDA).

Given its nature as a research product, it must be handled with appropriate protective equipment and under safe laboratory practices. It is not for clinical use. This field is marked as not fully verified.

Comparative context

Within its class (GLP-1 receptor agonists), semaglutide shares a design with the liraglutide (both from Novo Nordisk). The key structural difference is the acylation chain:

• Semaglutide: diacid fatty acid chain C18 with γGlu-2xOEG linker.
• Liraglutide: chain C16.

The C18 diacid chain of semaglutide increases affinity for albumin and prolongs the half-life, which allows weekly rather than daily dosing. In addition, the Aib substitution at position 8 provides resistance to degradation by DPP-4 (Knudsen & Lau, 2019; PMID 31031702).

History and development

Semaglutide (development code NN9535) was developed by Novo Nordisk as part of the evolution of the class of acylated GLP-1 analogs, subsequent to liraglutide. Its design sought to optimize albumin binding through a C18 diacid fatty-acid chain with a γGlu-2xOEG linker and the Aib8 substitution to resist DPP-4, with the aim of achieving a half-life compatible with weekly administration (Knudsen & Lau, 2019; PMID 31031702).

Its clinical development was structured in large programs such as SUSTAIN (type 2 diabetes) and STEP (overweight/obesity).

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Certificate of analysis per batch

Semaglutide batches with certificate of analysis published in the COA catalog:

• Lot EXO010626155A — 5 mg, issued 2026-05-24
• Lot EXO010626155B — 2 mg, issued 2026-05-19
• Lot EXO010626155C — 10 mg, issued 2026-05-21
• Lot EXO010626155D — 30 mg, issued 2026-05-23
• Lot EXO010626155E — 20 mg, issued 2026-05-28
• Lot EXO010626155F — 15 mg, issued 2026-05-20

Scientific references (8)

Peer-reviewed literature on Semaglutide, with its PubMed identifier where available:

• Semaglutide (1994) PMID 38349996.
• Discovery of the Once-Weekly Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) Analogue Semaglutide (Lau, et al. · Journal of Medicinal Chemistry · 2015) PMID 26308095.
• Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity (Wilding, et al. · New England Journal of Medicine · 2021) PMID 33567185.
• Subcutaneously administered tirzepatide vs semaglutide for adults with type 2 diabetes: a systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. (Karagiannis T, et al. · Diabetologia · 2024) PMID 38613667.
• Oral semaglutide 50 mg taken once per day in adults with overweight or obesity (OASIS 1): a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 3 trial. (Knop FK, et al. · Lancet · 2023) PMID 37385278.
• Once-weekly semaglutide 7·2 mg in adults with obesity (STEP UP): a randomised, controlled, phase 3b trial. (Wharton S, et al. · Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol · 2025) PMID 40961952.
• Effects of Semaglutide on Chronic Kidney Disease in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes. (Perkovic V, et al. · N Engl J Med · 2024) PMID 38785209.
• Semaglutide versus placebo in people with obesity-related heart failure with preserved ejection fraction: a pooled analysis of the STEP-HFpEF and STEP-HFpEF DM randomised trials. (Butler J, et al. · Lancet · 2024) PMID 38599221.

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