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Incretin and metabolic research Research use only

Semaglutide

Long-acting GLP-1 receptor agonist (active ingredient of Ozempic, Wegovy and Rybelsus)

A modified version of the gut hormone GLP-1, made to last much longer. It is the active ingredient in approved prescription medicines for type 2 diabetes and weight management. Research-grade powder sold online is not those medicines and has not been checked by any regulator.

Reviewed 26 October 2026 · Sources listed at the end of the page

Structure

H-Aib-EGTFTSDVSSYLEGQAA-K*-EFIAWLVRGRG-OH

A GLP-1 analogue. Aib (aminoisobutyric acid) at position 2 resists breakdown by the enzyme DPP-4, and a C18 fatty diacid on lysine 20 (K*) binds albumin so the molecule lasts about a week in the body.

Evidence at a glance

Where the published research on Semaglutide comes from, by type of study.

Many studies

Cell studies

GLP-1 receptor binding, insulin secretion and beta-cell studies.

Many studies

Animal studies

Rodent and primate studies of appetite, body weight, glucose control and heart outcomes.

Large trials

Human studies

Large randomised trials (SUSTAIN, STEP, SELECT) led to approval as a prescription medicine.

Worth knowing. Evidence for the approved medicine does not transfer to research-grade powder, whose identity, purity and sterility are unchecked. FDA has warned sellers of research semaglutide in 2026.

Research areas

What laboratories have studied Semaglutide for, and in which models. These are research questions, not proven uses.

GLP-1 receptor pharmacology

Receptor binding assaysPancreatic beta cells

Selective GLP-1 receptor agonist with high albumin binding.
Glucose-dependent insulin secretion in cell models.

Appetite and energy balance

Rodent feeding studies

Acts on brain areas that regulate appetite in animal models.

Cardiometabolic outcomes

Large clinical trials

Studied for heart, kidney and liver outcomes in approved-drug trials.

Legal status

The approved prescription medicines and research-grade powder are legally different products. Only the licensed medicines may be supplied for human use.

United States Approved (Rx)

Approved by FDA as Ozempic, Wegovy and Rybelsus, by prescription only. Research-grade semaglutide is not the approved product, and FDA has issued 2026 warning letters to sellers of it.

United Kingdom Approved (Rx)

Licensed by MHRA as prescription-only medicines. Unlicensed products sold for human use are illegal medicines.

European Union Approved (Rx)

Authorised by the EMA as prescription medicines. Research-grade material is not covered by that authorisation.

Sport Permitted

Not on the WADA Prohibited List for 2026; WADA confirmed GLP-1 receptor agonists remain permitted on the 2027 list.

Licensed medicines

For people, the only legal route is a licensed medicine prescribed by a clinician. These are the approved products that contain Semaglutide.

OzempicType 2 diabetes (injection)

WegovyWeight management (injection and tablet)

RybelsusType 2 diabetes (tablet)

Lab handling

General good practice for research materials. Follow the supplier's datasheet where it differs.

Storage

Keep the sealed material at −20 °C, dry and away from light. Let the vial reach room temperature before opening to stop condensation.

Solubility

Research grade is usually soluble in sterile water or dilute buffer. Add solvent down the vial wall and swirl gently rather than shaking.

Aliquots

Split solutions into single-use aliquots, label with lot number and date, and freeze. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.

Work out your stock solution

Stock concentration, molarity and dilutions for Semaglutide, using MW 4113.58 g/mol.

Open the lab calculator

Before you buy for your lab

Tick each check as you confirm it with the supplier. Do not order until all six are done.

Batch-specific COAThe certificate shows the lot number printed on the vial.
Named third-party labThe testing lab is named and can confirm the report on its own site.
Identity and purityHPLC purity and mass-spec identity both reported, with the measured mass close to 4113.58.
No human-use marketingNo doses, injection guides, before-and-after claims or syringe kits on the site.
No FDA warning letterSearch the supplier's name on the FDA warning letters page.
Research buyer confirmationThe supplier asks you to confirm research or institutional use.

0 of 6

RecommendedPasses all six checks and sells no GLP-1 research compounds.

CautionResearch-only marketing and COAs, but sells GLP-1 or other closely watched compounds.

AvoidDosing or human-use claims, or an FDA warning letter. Never linked.

Supplier comparison for Semaglutide is in progress. Every supplier of research-grade Semaglutide carries at least a Caution label, because regulators focus on this class. Labels follow our editorial policy. Until listings go live, run any supplier through the vendor check. All products from any supplier are for laboratory research use only.

Questions researchers ask

What is Semaglutide?

What is the molecular weight of Semaglutide?

About 4113.58 g/mol. Use the figure on your batch certificate of analysis.

Is research-grade Semaglutide the same as Ozempic?

No. Ozempic is a licensed medicine made under regulated manufacturing. Research-grade Semaglutide sold online is a different, unchecked product for laboratory use only, and selling it for human use is illegal.

Is Semaglutide approved for human use?

No. Approved by FDA as Ozempic, Wegovy and Rybelsus, by prescription only. Research-grade semaglutide is not the approved product, and FDA has issued 2026 warning letters to sellers of it.

How should Semaglutide be stored in the lab?

Keep the sealed material cold, dry and away from light, typically at −20 °C. Once in solution, split it into single-use aliquots and freeze to avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.

Does this page give doses?

No. We publish laboratory and educational information only, never doses, injection guidance or treatment advice.

Sources

For research and educational purposes only. Semaglutide is not approved for human or veterinary use. Some links on this site are affiliate links. · Disclosure · Disclaimer · Editorial policy · Contact · Privacy policy · © 2026 Peptides in Lab