Semaglutide

Semaglutide

Semaglutide is a synthetic 31-amino acid GLP-1 receptor agonist peptide with 94% sequence homology to endogenous glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). It incorporates a C18 fatty diacid chain attached via a linker to lysine at position 26, enabling reversible albumin binding that dramatically extends its plasma half-life to approximately 7 days. Semaglutide is one of the most extensively studied GLP-1 receptor agonists in the research literature, with a substantial body of preclinical and clinical data supporting its investigation in metabolic disease, obesity, and cardiovascular research.

Mechanism of Action

Semaglutide binds to and activates the GLP-1 receptor (GLP-1R), a G-protein-coupled receptor expressed on pancreatic beta cells, hypothalamic neurons, and peripheral tissues. GLP-1R activation stimulates glucose-dependent insulin secretion, suppresses glucagon release, slows gastric emptying, and reduces appetite via central hypothalamic pathways — particularly through activation of POMC/CART neurons and inhibition of NPY/AgRP neurons in the arcuate nucleus. The albumin-binding fatty acid modification confers resistance to DPP-4 degradation and renal clearance, making semaglutide a valuable long-acting tool for studying GLP-1 receptor pharmacology and metabolic regulation.

Research Applications

• GLP-1 receptor pharmacology and incretin biology studies
• Glucose-dependent insulin secretion and pancreatic beta-cell function research
• Hypothalamic appetite regulation and energy homeostasis modelling
• Obesity, body weight regulation, and adipose tissue metabolism investigation
• Cardiovascular and cardiometabolic disease preclinical models

Specifications

• Molecular Formula: C₁₈₇H₂₉₁N₄₅O₅₉
• Molecular Weight: 4113.6 g/mol
• CAS Number: 910463-68-2
• Purity: ≥98%
• Form: Lyophilised powder
• Storage: -20°C
• Shelf Life: 24 months

This product is intended for legitimate laboratory and analytical research use only. Not for diagnostic, therapeutic, or consumer use.