FDA-Approved (specific products)

Semaglutide

GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptor agonist

This page is educational only and is not medical advice. It is not an endorsement to use this compound. See the Educational Disclaimer for details.

What It Is

A synthetic peptide that mimics the human hormone GLP-1, which is released naturally after eating and helps regulate blood sugar and appetite.

Proposed Mechanism

Binds to and activates GLP-1 receptors, which increases insulin secretion in response to meals, slows gastric emptying, and acts on appetite-regulating centers in the brain to reduce hunger.

Areas Researchers Are Investigating

Cardiovascular outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes and obesity
Effects on metabolic-associated fatty liver disease
Potential neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects (early-stage)
Long-term weight maintenance after treatment discontinuation

Human Evidence

Extensive — semaglutide has been evaluated in multiple large, randomized, placebo-controlled Phase 3 trials (the STEP and SUSTAIN trial programs) involving thousands of participants, which supported its FDA approvals. This is a substantially higher evidence tier than most compounds in this database.

Animal / Preclinical Evidence

Preceded human trials with standard preclinical pharmacology and toxicology studies typical of an FDA drug-approval pathway.

Current FDA / Regulatory Status

FDA-approved under three brand names for specific indications: Ozempic (type 2 diabetes management, injectable), Wegovy (chronic weight management in adults/adolescents with obesity or overweight plus a weight-related condition, injectable), and Rybelsus (type 2 diabetes management, oral). Approval is indication- and formulation-specific — "semaglutide is FDA-approved" should never be stated as a blanket claim without naming the specific approved product and use.

Known Safety Information

Commonly reported effects in clinical trials include gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea). Prescribing information includes warnings relevant to thyroid tumors observed in animal studies and other contraindications. This is general information, not individualized medical guidance — full prescribing information and a licensed provider's judgment govern actual use.

Limitations of Evidence

Most large trials are manufacturer-sponsored (Novo Nordisk), which doesn't invalidate the results but is worth disclosing. Long-term (multi-year) data on weight regain after stopping treatment is still an active research area.

Key studies and full references for this entry are still being compiled and verified — see data/peptides/semaglutide.md in the project repo for the current compliance-review status. This page will not publish claims backed by unverified or fabricated citations.