Incretin & metabolic research compounds
Semaglutide
Also known as Ozempic · Wegovy · Rybelsus
A long-acting GLP-1 receptor agonist, the reference molecule of the modern incretin era in both injectable and oral form.
In 60 seconds
Approved medicine (type 2 diabetes and chronic weight management) in many countries, with a large phase 3 programme (STEP, SUSTAIN, SELECT). Reviews document gastrointestinal effects as the most common; pancreatitis, gallbladder events and the effect on lean mass are active topics.
- Reviews the safety profile of semaglutide across subcutaneous and oral formulations.
- A systematic review of how much of semaglutide-associated weight loss in trials was lean mass.
- STEP 4 compared continuing semaglutide with switching to placebo and measured weight regain after withdrawal.
Mechanism
Semaglutide is a GLP-1 analogue with amino-acid substitutions and a C18 fatty-diacid chain that binds albumin, extending its half-life to about a week. At the GLP-1 receptor it enhances glucose-dependent insulin secretion, suppresses glucagon, slows gastric emptying and acts on central satiety pathways.
Research status
Approved medicine (type 2 diabetes and chronic weight management) in many countries, with a large phase 3 programme (STEP, SUSTAIN, SELECT). Prescription-only in South Africa.
Key studies
Reviews the safety profile of semaglutide across subcutaneous and oral formulations.
Safety of Semaglutide — Front Endocrinol (Lausanne), 2021 · PMID 34305810
A systematic review of how much of semaglutide-associated weight loss in trials was lean mass.
A systematic review of the effect of semaglutide on lean mass: insights from clinical trials — Expert Opin Pharmacother, 2024 · PMID 38629387
STEP 4 compared continuing semaglutide with switching to placebo and measured weight regain after withdrawal.
Effect of Continued Weekly Subcutaneous Semaglutide vs Placebo on Weight Loss Maintenance in Adults With Overweight or Obesity: The STEP 4 Randomized Clinical Trial — JAMA, 2021 · PMID 33755728
A phase 3b head-to-head trial compared tirzepatide with semaglutide in adults with obesity without diabetes.
Tirzepatide as Compared with Semaglutide for the Treatment of Obesity — N Engl J Med, 2025 · PMID 40353578
Safety signals in the literature
Reviews document gastrointestinal effects as the most common; pancreatitis, gallbladder events and the effect on lean mass are active topics. Trials show weight regain after stopping.
Legal status (South Africa)
Approved incretin medicines are prescription-only (scheduled) in South Africa and available only through a prescriber; research-grade material is not a medicine and is not for human use.
Related compounds we stock
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Comparisons
Questions
What is Semaglutide?
A long-acting GLP-1 receptor agonist, the reference molecule of the modern incretin era in both injectable and oral form. Semaglutide is a GLP-1 analogue with amino-acid substitutions and a C18 fatty-diacid chain that binds albumin, extending its half-life to about a week. At the GLP-1 receptor it enhances glucose-dependent insulin secretion, suppresses glucagon, slows gastric emptying and acts on central satiety pathways.
What is the research status of Semaglutide?
Approved medicine (type 2 diabetes and chronic weight management) in many countries, with a large phase 3 programme (STEP, SUSTAIN, SELECT). Prescription-only in South Africa.
What safety signals are reported for Semaglutide?
Reviews document gastrointestinal effects as the most common; pancreatitis, gallbladder events and the effect on lean mass are active topics. Trials show weight regain after stopping.
Does Living Water Labs stock Semaglutide?
Not at present. Semaglutide is profiled here for reference, with citations to the published literature. You can ask to be notified if we add it. Approved incretin medicines are prescription-only (scheduled) in South Africa and available only through a prescriber; research-grade material is not a medicine and is not for human use.
More in Incretin & metabolic
Research reference only. This page summarises published literature; it is not medical advice and contains no guidance on human use. Products supplied by Living Water Labs are for laboratory research only.
