Semaglutide
Also known as: NN9535
A long-acting GLP-1 receptor agonist, structurally derived from human GLP-1 with modifications that resist enzymatic degradation and extend circulating half-life. Approved as a medicine in multiple jurisdictions.
Development status: Approved as a medicine in one or more jurisdictions
Identifiers and molecular characteristics
- CAS number
- 910463-68-2Source: Wikipedia infobox, Merck Index monograph and DDInter (cross-checked) · checked 2026-10-11Secondary sources in agreement; PubChem itself was not reachable at the time of checking.
- Molecular formula
- C187H291N45O59Source: Wikipedia, Merck Index monograph, DDInter (three sources in agreement) · checked 2026-10-11
- Molecular mass
- ≈4113.6 g/molSource: Wikipedia (4113.641), Merck Index (4113.64) · checked 2026-10-11
- Amino-acid sequence
- Not verified
- PubChem CID
- 56843331Source: Wikipedia infobox, corroborated by IDrblab and TTD database entries · checked 2026-10-11
Identifiers are published only with a source and a check date. Fields marked “not verified” have not yet been confirmed against a primary source — we show the gap rather than an unchecked figure. Always confirm against the certificate of analysis for the specific lot you hold.
Biological targets
- GLP-1 receptor
Mechanism of action
Semaglutide binds the GLP-1 receptor, a class B GPCR. Relative to native GLP-1 it carries substitutions that reduce susceptibility to dipeptidyl peptidase-4 cleavage and a fatty-acid side chain that promotes albumin binding, together extending its half-life from minutes to days.
Research evidence and its limits
An extensive phase 3 programme, multiple regulatory dossiers and a large peer-reviewed literature including cardiovascular outcome trials.
Safety considerations
Authoritative safety information exists in approved product labelling from the relevant regulator, which is the correct source. Supplied and discussed here strictly as a laboratory research material. Not a medicine, not for human or veterinary administration, and nothing on this page should be read as a dosing, treatment or safety recommendation.
Analytical identification and quality testing
Well served by published analytical methods. The albumin-binding side chain and the backbone substitutions give it a distinctive mass and chromatographic behaviour relative to native GLP-1, which assists identity confirmation.
Regulatory status
Approved as a prescription medicine in multiple jurisdictions. Confirm Indian status with CDSCO before relying on any statement here.
Frequently asked questions
How does semaglutide differ from native GLP-1?
Amino-acid substitutions reduce enzymatic degradation and an attached fatty-acid chain promotes reversible albumin binding. Native GLP-1 has a half-life measured in minutes; semaglutide’s is measured in days.
References
Related compounds
Tirzepatide
A dual agonist at the GIP and GLP-1 receptors. Unlike most compounds in this encyclopedia, tirzepatide has received marketing authorisation as a medicine in several jurisdictions, which means a regulator has reviewed a full clinical dossier for it.
Retatrutide
An engineered single-molecule agonist at the GIP, GLP-1 and glucagon receptors, developed by Eli Lilly under the code LY3437943. It is investigational: it has been studied in human trials but is not an approved medicine in any jurisdiction as of this entry’s review date.
Liraglutide
A fatty-acylated GLP-1 analogue with a once-daily profile, approved as a medicine in multiple jurisdictions and extensively characterised in the literature.
Entry last reviewed 2026-10-11. Regulatory status and scientific understanding change; verify against primary sources before relying on anything here.