Semaglutide

Product Details

1. Chemical Identity and Properties
2. Primary Uses and Effects
3. Notable Scientific Studies
4. Emerging and Future Research Directions
5. Sources
6. Disclaimer

1. Chemical Identity and Properties

1. CAS Number: 910463-68-2
2. Molecular Formula: C₁₈₇H₂₉₁N₄₅O₅₉
3. Molar Mass: 4113.64 g/mol
4. Synonyms: Semaglutide (INN), NN9535
5. Sequence: Modified GLP-1(7-37) analog with substitutions (Aib at position 8, Arg at 34), C18 fatty diacid linked to Lys26
6. PubChem CID: 56843331

2. Primary Uses and Effects

Weight Loss and Obesity Management

Semaglutide is one of the most effective pharmacological treatments for obesity ever developed. It activates GLP-1 receptors in key appetite control centers of the brain (including the hypothalamus), leading to reduced hunger, earlier satiety, and lower calorie intake². It also slows gastric emptying, which prolongs the feeling of fullness after eating³. Clinical trials have consistently shown sustained weight loss of 14–17% of initial body weight, a result previously achievable mainly through bariatric surgery⁴. This makes semaglutide a foundational agent in modern obesity research.

Blood Sugar Control and Type 2 Diabetes Treatment

As a GLP-1 receptor agonist, semaglutide improves glucose homeostasis through enhanced glucose-dependent insulin secretion, suppression of inappropriate glucagon secretion, and improved insulin sensitivity⁵. It consistently lowers HbA1c by 1.0–1.5% across diverse populations, including those already on background therapies⁶. Its glucose-lowering effects are associated with minimal hypoglycemia risk, making it a safer option compared to traditional insulin secretagogues.

Cardiovascular Health Improvement

Semaglutide’s cardiovascular benefits extend well beyond weight and glucose effects. Clinical trials have shown reductions in major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) by up to 26%⁷. Improvements include lower blood pressure, reduced LDL cholesterol, reduced triglycerides, reduced systemic inflammation (e.g., CRP), and better endothelial function. Semaglutide thus plays a dual role: treating metabolic disease and actively protecting the heart and blood vessels.

Liver Health and Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH)

Semaglutide has shown promise in reversing liver damage associated with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). It can reduce liver fat, resolve inflammation, and improve metabolic dysfunction⁸. In a recent Phase 2 trial, nearly 60% of patients achieved NASH resolution without fibrosis worsening, offering hope for a condition with no FDA-approved therapies yet.

Systemic Anti-Inflammatory and Organ-Protective Effects

Semaglutide’s activation of GLP-1 pathways leads to lower systemic inflammatory markers like TNF-α and IL-6⁹. This anti-inflammatory effect supports its emerging use in chronic inflammatory diseases and may play a role in preserving kidney function, protecting neural tissue, and reducing cardiovascular complications.

3. Notable Scientific Studies

STEP 1 – Semaglutide in Obesity (2021)

Study Design: 68-week, randomized, placebo-controlled trial in 1,961 adults with overweight or obesity without diabetes.

Findings: Participants on semaglutide 2.4 mg weekly lost an average of 14.9% body weight vs 2.4% with placebo².

Highlights: 86% of semaglutide-treated subjects lost ≥5% of their body weight, and half achieved ≥15% weight loss. Significant improvements in blood pressure, lipid profiles, and physical functioning were also recorded.

SUSTAIN-6 – Cardiovascular Protection (2016)

Study Design: Double-blind, placebo-controlled trial evaluating major cardiovascular events in 3,297 patients with type 2 diabetes.

Findings: Semaglutide reduced the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events by 26% compared to placebo⁷.

Highlights: Particularly strong protection against nonfatal strokes. This trial firmly established semaglutide’s cardiovascular benefits and changed clinical practice guidelines for diabetes management.

Semaglutide in NASH – Phase 2 (2021)

Study Design: 72-week, multicenter, randomized controlled trial enrolling 320 patients with NASH.

Findings: 59% of patients receiving semaglutide 0.4 mg daily achieved complete NASH resolution without worsening fibrosis, compared to 17% in placebo⁸.

Highlights: Marked reductions in liver inflammation and liver fat, reinforcing semaglutide’s systemic anti-inflammatory role beyond glucose control.

SELECT – Cardiovascular Risk Reduction in Obese Non-Diabetics (2023)

Study Design: 17,604 overweight or obese participants without diabetes and with cardiovascular disease history.

Findings: Semaglutide 2.4 mg weekly reduced major cardiovascular events by 20% compared to placebo⁶.

Highlights: Demonstrated for the first time that weight loss itself, without glycemic improvement, reduces heart attack, stroke, and cardiovascular death risk.

4. Emerging and Future Research Directions

Alzheimer’s Disease and Cognitive Decline

Because GLP-1 receptors are expressed in the brain, semaglutide is being studied in EVOKE and EVOKE+ trials to determine if it can slow cognitive decline in Alzheimer’s disease. Early mechanistic studies suggest semaglutide could reduce neuroinflammation, improve insulin signaling, and preserve neuronal survival.

Heart Failure and Kidney Protection

Research is evaluating semaglutide for heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) and chronic kidney disease (CKD). Its ability to reduce inflammation, lower body mass, and improve endothelial function makes it a promising candidate for protecting vital organs and improving long-term outcomes in these conditions.

Advanced Weight Loss Combinations

Semaglutide combined with cagrilintide (an amylin mimetic) is being explored for enhanced satiety and even greater weight loss. Early studies suggest the combination could achieve 17–20% total body weight loss, approaching the results of bariatric surgery, without the invasiveness.

Expanded Applications for Metabolic and Inflammatory Diseases

Beyond weight and diabetes, semaglutide’s anti-inflammatory and organ-protective effects are driving exploration into areas such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and autoimmune disorders. Its systemic benefits could make it a central tool in treating a wide range of chronic diseases driven by metabolic dysfunction and inflammation.

5. Sources

1. Wilding JP, et al. Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity. N Engl J Med. 2021;384(11):989–1002.
2. Wilding JP, et al. Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity. N Engl J Med. 2021;384(11):989–1002.
3. Capehorn M, et al. Once-Weekly Semaglutide Reduces HbA1c and Body Weight in Type 2 Diabetes Regardless of Background Therapy. Diabetes Therapy. 2020;11(5):1061–1075.
4. Marso SP, et al. Semaglutide and Cardiovascular Outcomes in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes. N Engl J Med. 2016;375(19):1834–1844.
5. Newsome PN, et al. A Placebo-Controlled Trial of Subcutaneous Semaglutide in Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis. N Engl J Med. 2021;384(12):1113–1124.
6. Lincoff AM, et al. Semaglutide and Cardiovascular Outcomes in Patients with Overweight or Obesity (SELECT Trial). N Engl J Med. 2023;389(24):2221–2232.
7. Davies MJ, et al. Semaglutide and Cardiovascular Risk Reduction Across Populations. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2021;77(15):2024–2035.
8. Seghieri G, et al. Semaglutide and NASH: A New Hope for Liver Fibrosis. Hepatology Research. 2022;52(9):820–826.
9. Drucker DJ. Mechanisms of Action and Clinical Application of GLP-1 Receptor Agonists. Cell Metab. 2018;27(4):740–751.

6. Disclaimer

Semaglutide is for research use only. It is not approved by the FDA or any regulatory agency for human or veterinary use, consumption, or therapeutic applications of any kind. By purchasing this product, you agree to our Terms and Conditions.