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Semaglutide (Ozempic/Wegovy)

Peptide

Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist peptide approved by the FDA for type 2 diabetes (Ozempic, Rybelsus) and chronic weight management (Wegovy). It is a 31-amino-acid peptide analog of human GLP-1 with 94% structural similarity but modified for extended half-life (approximately 1 week). The STEP, SUSTAIN, and SELECT clinical trial programs demonstrated consistent, substantial benefits for glycemic control, weight loss, and cardiovascular outcomes.

Quick Answer

What it is

Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist peptide approved by the FDA for type 2 diabetes (Ozempic, Rybelsus) and chronic weight management (Wegovy). It is a 31-amino-acid peptide analog of human GLP-1 with 94% structural similarity but modified for extended half-life (approximately 1 week).

Key findings

  • Grade A: Body Weight Reduction (Obesity)
  • Grade A: Weight Loss ≥5% Achievement (Obesity)
  • Grade A: Weight Loss ≥10% Achievement (Obesity)

Safety

No specific caution or interaction language was detected in the current summary/outcome notes.

⚠️ Research Notice

This peptide information is for educational and research purposes only. Peptides may not be FDA-approved for human use and may only be legally available for research purposes. Consult qualified healthcare professionals before considering any peptide compounds.

ℹ️ Quick Facts: Semaglutide (Ozempic/Wegovy)

Quick Facts: Semaglutide (Ozempic/Wegovy)

  • Best Evidence:Grade A
  • Conditions Studied:3
  • Research Outcomes:17
  • Grade A Findings:9
  • Grade B Findings:5
  • Key Effect:Obesity
A9
B5
C2
D1
3 conditions · 17 outcomes

Detailed Outcomes

|
A
Body Weight Reduction
STEP 1 trial showed mean weight loss of 14.9% vs 2.4% placebo at 68 weeks. STEP 5 showed sustained 15.2% weight loss at 2 years. Meta-analysis confirms 11.8% greater weight reduction vs placebo.
large↓Improves
A
Weight Loss ≥5% Achievement
In STEP trials, 77-86% of participants achieved ≥5% weight loss with semaglutide 2.4mg vs 31-34% with placebo.
large↑Worsens
A
Weight Loss ≥10% Achievement
STEP trials showed 48-70% of participants achieved ≥10% weight loss with semaglutide vs 12-20% placebo.
large↑Worsens
B
Appetite and Satiety
Semaglutide reduces hunger and increases satiety through central and peripheral mechanisms, contributing to reduced caloric intake.
moderate↑Improves
A
HbA1c Reduction
SUSTAIN trials showed HbA1c reductions of 1.4-1.8% with semaglutide 1.0mg. SUSTAIN 1 demonstrated 1.55% reduction vs 0.02% placebo (P<0.0001).
large↓Improves
A
Glycemic Control
SUSTAIN 7 showed semaglutide superior to dulaglutide for glycemic control. SUSTAIN 3 showed 1.5% HbA1c reduction vs 0.9% with exenatide ER.
large↑Improves
A
Fasting Plasma Glucose
SUSTAIN trials showed significant reductions in fasting plasma glucose. SUSTAIN 5 showed 2.0-2.4 mmol/L reductions vs 0.1 mmol/L with placebo.
large↓Improves
A
Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events (MACE)
SELECT trial (17,604 patients) showed 20% reduction in MACE with semaglutide vs placebo (HR 0.80, P<0.001) in patients with obesity without diabetes.
moderate↓Improves
A
Cardiovascular Death
SELECT trial showed 24% reduction in cardiovascular death in heart failure subgroup (HR 0.76). Benefits observed in both HFrEF and HFpEF patients.
moderate↓Improves
A
Heart Failure Outcomes
SELECT heart failure prespecified analysis showed 21% reduction in composite heart failure endpoint (HR 0.79). Benefits seen in both preserved and reduced ejection fraction.
moderate↓Improves
B
Blood Glucose Control
16 human trials and systematic reviews support this finding. Evidence includes systematic reviews/meta-analyses. Human clinical trial data available.
moderate↓Improves
B
Safety/Tolerability
16 human trials and systematic reviews support this finding. Evidence includes systematic reviews/meta-analyses. Human clinical trial data available.
moderate↑Improves
B
Cardiac Protection
5 human trials and systematic reviews support this finding. Evidence includes systematic reviews/meta-analyses. Human clinical trial data available.
small↑Improves
C
GI Protection
5 preclinical studies support this finding. Primarily preclinical evidence.
small↑Improves
C
Neuroprotection
4 human trials and systematic reviews support this finding. Evidence includes systematic reviews/meta-analyses. Human clinical trial data available.
small↑Improves
D
Liver Protection
2 systematic reviews and preclinical studies support this finding. Evidence includes systematic reviews/meta-analyses. Primarily preclinical evidence.
small↑Improves

Research Citations (59)

Semaglutide in heart failure and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease: the current state-of-the-art.
(2025)
PMID: 40163257
Semaglutide and Tirzepatide in Patients With Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction.
(2025)
PMID: 40886075
Semaglutide and non-arteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy: Review and interpretation of reported association.
(2025)
PMID: 40055951
Tirzepatide Versus Semaglutide on Weight Loss in Type 2 Diabetes Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Direct Comparative Studies.
(2025)
PMID: 40184508
Semaglutide and cardiovascular outcomes in patients with obesity and prevalent heart failure: a prespecified analysis of the SELECT trial
(2024)
PMID: 39181597
Efficacy and safety of semaglutide 2.4 mg for weight loss in overweight or obese adults without diabetes: An updated systematic review and meta-analysis including the 2-year STEP 5 trial
(2024)
PMID: 38016699
Semaglutide alleviates gut microbiota dysbiosis induced by a high-fat diet.
(2024)
PMID: 38402930
Semaglutide alters gut microbiota and improves NAFLD in db/db mice.
(2024)
PMID: 38583231
Semaglutide Attenuates Anxious and Depressive-Like Behaviors and Reverses the Cognitive Impairment in a Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Mouse Model Via the Microbiota-Gut-Brain Axis.
(2024)
PMID: 39042202
Semaglutide ameliorates Alzheimer's disease and restores oxytocin in APP/PS1 mice and human brain organoid models.
(2024)
PMID: 39405916

Related Peptides

Tirzepatide (Mounjaro/Zepbound)

Peptide

3 shared conditions · 17 outcomes

Tirzepatide is a first-in-class dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist approved by the FDA for type 2 diabetes (Mounjaro) and chronic weight management (Zepbound). It is a 39-amino-acid synthetic peptide based on the native GIP sequence with a C20 fatty diacid modification enabling once-weekly dosing. The SURPASS and SURMOUNT clinical trial programs demonstrated unprecedented efficacy for glycemic control and weight loss, with up to 22.5% body weight reduction.