At a glance
- Class
- GLP-1 receptor agonist
- Receptor targets
- GLP-1R
- Length
- 31 amino acids (acylated GLP-1 analogue)
- Molecular mass
- ≈ 4.11 kDa
- Origin
- Synthetic analogue of human GLP-1
- Research area
- Metabolic & incretin research
- Also known as
- –
What Semaglutide is
Semaglutide is a modified version of human GLP-1. Two changes make it durable: an amino-acid substitution that resists breakdown by the enzyme DPP-4, and a fatty-acid side chain that lets it bind albumin in blood. Together they extend its half-life from minutes to about a week in clinical use.
Because it acts on a single receptor, GLP-1, it is the usual reference point when researchers compare newer multi-receptor peptides such as tirzepatide and retatrutide.
What the research literature studies
- GLP-1 receptor binding and cAMP signalling in cell-based assays
- Incretin biology: how GLP-1R activity differs from dual and triple agonism
- Albumin binding and the effect of fatty-acid acylation on peptide stability
Evidence rating: 5/5
Approved drug, phase 3 trials. Approved medicine backed by large randomised phase 3 programmes. See our methodology for how levels are assigned.
- Almost all outcome data come from the branded medicine, not from research-grade material.
- Analytical identity (intact mass, related substances) matters more than headline purity for a modified peptide.
Regulatory status
Semaglutide is authorised as a prescription medicine by the MHRA, EMA and FDA under several brand names. Laboratory research material is not that medicine, is not evaluated by any regulator, and must not be used in people or animals.
Reviewed November 2026.
Semaglutide at Nordapep: sizes and price per mg
Every size, its price and the cost per milligram, so you can choose the best-value vial for your protocol.
Not currently listed at Nordapep.
Compare Semaglutide
Semaglutide FAQ
How does semaglutide differ from tirzepatide?
Semaglutide activates the GLP-1 receptor only. Tirzepatide activates both the GLP-1 and GIP receptors. See the side-by-side comparison for structure, evidence level and regulatory status.
Is semaglutide a peptide or a protein?
A peptide. At about 31 amino acids plus a fatty-acid side chain it is far smaller than a protein.
Where can I buy Semaglutide for research?
Nordapep does not currently list Semaglutide. You can ask Nordapep about availability, or compare related compounds that are in stock.
Is Semaglutide approved?
Semaglutide is authorised as a prescription medicine by the MHRA, EMA and FDA under several brand names. Laboratory research material is not that medicine, is not evaluated by any regulator, and must not be used in people or animals.
Key terms for Semaglutide
Further reading
- BuyingHow to choose a research peptide supplier: a UK buyer's checklist8 min read
- BuyingPeptide price per mg: how to compare vials properly5 min read
- ComparisonSemaglutide vs tirzepatide vs retatrutide: the three incretin peptides compared7 min read
- MetabolicIncretin and amylin peptides explained: GLP-1, GIP, glucagon and amylin7 min read
Cite this page
peptide.wiki. (2026). Semaglutide: research peptide profile. peptide.wiki. https://www.peptide.wiki/peptides/semaglutide