Semaglutide

About Semaglutide

Semaglutide is a synthetic peptide analogue of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), consisting of a linear chain of 31 amino acids. The molecule is modified with a fatty diacid (C18) attached via a linker, which allows it to bind tightly to plasma albumin and substantially prolongs its circulation time compared with native GLP-1. In this catalogue, semaglutide is offered as a reagent for laboratory in vitro research and preclinical experiments only.

How it works

Semaglutide acts as a GLP-1 receptor agonist: it binds to the receptor on the cell surface and, via a stimulatory G protein, activates adenylate cyclase, raising the intracellular level of cAMP. In research models this leads to glucose-dependent enhancement of insulin secretion by β-cells, suppression of excessive glucagon release and slowing of gastric emptying. A substitution at position 8 (Aib) protects the peptide from degradation by the DPP-4 enzyme, while albumin binding shields it from renal filtration, which together extend the half-life to approximately 7 days.

What's studied / benefits

• In preclinical and clinical studies (the STEP programme), semaglutide showed pronounced and sustained reductions in body weight and waist circumference through a central effect on appetite and satiety.
• The SELECT trial demonstrated an approximately 20% reduction in the risk of major cardiovascular events in an overweight population; the SUSTAIN-6 and PIONEER-6 studies confirmed cardiovascular safety.
• Improvement of cardiometabolic parameters: fasting glucose and HbA1c, lipid profile, blood pressure and inflammatory markers in research analyses.
• In liver studies, a reduction in steatosis and improvements in liver enzymes and signs of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) were observed.
• Preliminary data point to potential renoprotective and neuroprotective effects, which are currently being investigated in controlled trials.

Research applications

• Studying the GLP-1 receptor signalling pathway and the regulation of glucose-dependent insulin secretion in vitro.
• Research models of obesity, appetite control and energy balance.
• Experimental work on glucose metabolism, type 2 diabetes and cardiometabolic risk factors.
• Exploratory preclinical research in hepatology (NASH), nephroprotection and neurodegenerative conditions (Alzheimer's disease, dementia).

Of interest to: The product is of interest to researchers in metabolism, endocrinology and pharmacology, as well as laboratories and scientific institutions studying the mechanisms of action of GLP-1 agonists in vitro and in preclinical models.

This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Semaglutide is intended for laboratory research use only — not for human consumption, medical or diagnostic use.