Semaglutide is a 31-amino-acid GLP-1 receptor agonist analog, structurally derived from native human GLP-1 with amino acid substitutions and a C18 fatty-diacid acylation that extend its plasma half-life to roughly one week. It is the active molecule behind Novo Nordisk's FDA-approved pharmaceutical products.
Brand-name context
Ozempic and Wegovy are registered trademarks of Novo Nordisk A/S, referring exclusively to their FDA-approved, prescription pharmaceutical formulations of semaglutide (Ozempic for type 2 diabetes, Wegovy for chronic weight management). Research-grade semaglutide sold for laboratory use is a separate class of product — it is not manufactured, distributed, tested, or endorsed by Novo Nordisk, and V8 Peptides has no affiliation, partnership, or commercial relationship with Novo Nordisk or either brand. This article discusses semaglutide strictly as a research compound; it does not describe or compare pharmaceutical products intended for human use.
Molecular identity
Semaglutide has a molecular weight of approximately 4,113.58 Da and the molecular formula C187H291N45O59. Its backbone follows the native GLP-1(7-37) sequence with an Aib8 substitution for DPP-IV resistance and a C18 diacid conjugated at Lys26 via a gamma-glutamyl/mini-PEG linker — a stabilization strategy shared with tirzepatide, which uses an analogous but chemically distinct C20 diacid at Lys20. CAS number: 910463-68-2.
Design and receptor pharmacology
As a single-receptor GLP-1 agonist, semaglutide is studied as a comparator against dual and triple agonists like tirzepatide and retatrutide, letting researchers isolate GLP-1-receptor-specific signaling from GIP- or glucagon-receptor contributions. Its extended half-life (~7 days) relative to native GLP-1 (~2 minutes) results from albumin binding mediated by the fatty-diacid moiety, a design pattern that recurs across long-acting incretin-class research peptides.
Analytical characterization
Research-grade semaglutide identity and purity are typically confirmed by reversed-phase HPLC (≥98% purity target) and ESI mass spectrometry (expected [M+H]+ consistent with a monoisotopic mass near 4,113 Da). As with all research peptides, reproducibility depends on documented identity and purity — see third-party testing explained.
Research use only
Semaglutide sold by V8 Peptides is intended strictly for laboratory and in-vitro research use by qualified researchers. It is not for human or animal consumption, and is not a substitute for, nor equivalent to, any FDA-approved prescription medication. Consult a licensed physician for any question about approved pharmaceutical treatment.