Semaglutide is a long-acting analogue of human glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), the incretin hormone that acts on the GLP-1 receptor. Developed by Novo Nordisk, it differs from native GLP-1(7-37) by t...
Certificate of Analysis included with every order.
Technical Specifications
Purity
≥98%
Form
Lyophilized Powder
Storage
-20°C
Molecular Weight
4113.58 Da (C187H291N45O59)
Sequence
H-Aib-EGTFTSDVSSYLEGQAAK*EFIAWLVRGRG (GLP-1(7-37) with Aib8 and Arg34; *Lys26 carries a fatty acid side chain)
CAS Number
910463-68-2
About Semaglutide
Semaglutide is a long-acting analogue of human glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), the incretin hormone that acts on the GLP-1 receptor. Developed by Novo Nordisk, it differs from native GLP-1(7-37) by two amino acid substitutions (Aib at position 8 and Arg at position 34) and a fatty acid side chain attached to lysine 26, which increases binding to serum albumin and protects it from metabolic degradation.[1] Pepitiva supplies semaglutide as a lyophilized powder (≥98% purity, CAS 910463-68-2) for in vitro and preclinical research.[9]
Regulatory status
Semaglutide is an approved medicine. The FDA approved it for type 2 diabetes in December 2017 and for chronic weight management in June 2021.[7][8] The product sold here is a research-grade peptide, not a pharmaceutical product, and is intended only for laboratory use.
Why researchers use semaglutide
Semaglutide is the reference selective GLP-1 receptor agonist. It is the baseline against which dual agonists such as tirzepatide (GLP-2T) and triple agonists such as retatrutide (GLP-3R) are compared, and the partner of the amylin analogue cagrilintide in combination research.
For research use only. Not for human consumption.
Quality & Storage
≥98% purity. Lyophilized Powder. Storage: -20°C. For research purposes only.
Mechanism of Action
GLP-1 receptor agonism
Semaglutide binds the GLP-1 receptor with an affinity of 0.38 nM, about three times lower than liraglutide, but its much higher albumin affinity gives it a far longer duration: the plasma half-life was 46.1 hours after intravenous dosing in mini-pigs.[1] The structure of semaglutide bound to the GLP-1 receptor-Gs complex has been solved by cryo-electron microscopy.[10]
Brain pathways
In rodents, semaglutide reduced food intake and changed food preference without lowering energy expenditure. It did not cross the blood-brain barrier but reached the brainstem, septal nucleus and hypothalamus through circumventricular organs, and activated neurons in 10 brain areas, including the lateral parabrachial nucleus, which is involved in ending meals.[2]
Appetite and energy intake in humans
In a 12-week study in adults with obesity, ad libitum energy intake across the day was 24% lower with semaglutide than with placebo, with less hunger and food craving and a lower preference for high-fat foods, while resting metabolic rate adjusted for lean mass did not change.[3]
Research Applications
Clinical research highlights
SUSTAIN-6 (2016): in type 2 diabetes at high cardiovascular risk, the composite of cardiovascular death, nonfatal myocardial infarction or nonfatal stroke occurred in 6.6% with semaglutide against 8.9% with placebo.[4]
STEP 1 (2021): in adults with overweight or obesity, body weight changed by −14.9% at 68 weeks against −2.4% with placebo.[5]
SELECT (2023): in 17,604 people with cardiovascular disease and overweight or obesity but without diabetes, major cardiovascular events occurred in 6.5% with semaglutide against 8.0% with placebo.[6]
Laboratory research applications
GLP-1 receptor pharmacology: receptor binding, cAMP signaling and receptor structure.
Albumin binding and half-life extension: the fatty acid side chain as a model for long-acting peptide design.[1]
Appetite circuits: brainstem and hypothalamic GLP-1R neurons, food preference and meal termination.[2]
The clinical findings above are summarized as scientific background only. This product is a research-grade peptide sold for laboratory use and is not intended for human or veterinary use.
Storage & Handling Guidelines
Proper storage and handling are essential to maintain peptide integrity and ensure reliable research results. All Pepitiva Biolabs peptides are supplied as lyophilized (freeze-dried) powder, which provides excellent long-term stability when stored correctly. Store lyophilized peptides at -20°C for long-term storage or 2-8°C for short-term use. Once reconstituted, peptide solutions should be stored at 2-8°C and used within the timeframe specified in the product documentation. Always use sterile bacteriostatic water for reconstitution and handle peptides in a clean laboratory environment to prevent contamination. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles, as thermal stress can cause peptide degradation and loss of biological activity.
Quality Control & Certification
This product is manufactured under strict quality control protocols and has been verified through comprehensive analytical testing. Each batch undergoes reverse-phase HPLC analysis for purity determination and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) for molecular identity confirmation. A detailed Certificate of Analysis (COA) is available for download, documenting purity percentage, molecular weight verification, appearance, and recommended storage conditions. Pepitiva Biolabs maintains batch-level traceability from synthesis through delivery, ensuring complete transparency and quality assurance for your research.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is semaglutide?
A long-acting analogue of the incretin hormone GLP-1, developed by Novo Nordisk. It activates the GLP-1 receptor and carries a fatty acid side chain that binds serum albumin, extending its half-life.
Is semaglutide FDA approved?
Yes. The FDA approved semaglutide for type 2 diabetes (2017) and chronic weight management (2021). The research-grade peptide sold here is not a pharmaceutical product and is for laboratory use only.
What is the molecular weight and CAS number of semaglutide?
Molecular weight 4113.58 Da, formula C187H291N45O59, CAS 910463-68-2 (KEGG DRUG D10025).
How is semaglutide different from tirzepatide and retatrutide?
Semaglutide acts only on the GLP-1 receptor. Tirzepatide also activates the GIP receptor, and retatrutide adds the glucagon receptor as a third target. See Tirzepatide (GLP-2T) and Retatrutide (GLP-3R).
How is semaglutide different from native GLP-1?
Semaglutide was designed for stability against metabolic degradation and high albumin affinity: it has two amino acid substitutions (Aib8, Arg34) and a fatty acid side chain on lysine 26.
How should semaglutide be stored?
Keep the lyophilized powder at −20 °C, protected from light and moisture.
Is this product approved for human use?
No. This product is intended exclusively for in vitro scientific research and laboratory use. It is not approved for human or veterinary use, not intended for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes, and should not be administered to humans or animals under any circumstances.
How do I reconstitute this peptide?
Add sterile bacteriostatic water slowly to the vial, directing the stream against the glass wall rather than directly onto the lyophilized powder. Gently swirl the vial until the powder is fully dissolved — do not shake vigorously. The recommended reconstitution volume depends on your desired concentration. Refer to the product documentation for specific guidance.
Can I get a Certificate of Analysis (COA)?
Yes. A Certificate of Analysis is included with every order and is also available for download from the product page. The COA documents HPLC purity, mass spectrometry identity confirmation, batch number, production date, and storage recommendations.
Scientific References
Lau J, Bloch P, Schäffer L, et al. Discovery of the Once-Weekly Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) Analogue Semaglutide. J Med Chem. 2015;58(18):7370-7380. PubMed
Gabery S, Salinas CG, Paulsen SJ, et al. Semaglutide lowers body weight in rodents via distributed neural pathways. JCI Insight. 2020;5(6):e133429. PubMed
Blundell J, Finlayson G, Axelsen M, et al. Effects of once-weekly semaglutide on appetite, energy intake, control of eating, food preference and body weight in subjects with obesity. Diabetes Obes Metab. 2017;19(9):1242-1251. PubMed
Marso SP, Bain SC, Consoli A, et al. Semaglutide and Cardiovascular Outcomes in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes. N Engl J Med. 2016;375(19):1834-1844. PubMed
Wilding JPH, Batterham RL, Calanna S, et al. Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity. N Engl J Med. 2021;384(11):989-1002. PubMed
Lincoff AM, Brown-Frandsen K, Colhoun HM, et al. Semaglutide and Cardiovascular Outcomes in Obesity without Diabetes. N Engl J Med. 2023;389(24):2221-2232. PubMed
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Drugs@FDA: NDA 209637 (semaglutide, type 2 diabetes), Novo Nordisk; original approval December 5, 2017. Source
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Drugs@FDA: NDA 215256 (semaglutide, chronic weight management), Novo Nordisk; original approval June 4, 2021. Source
KEGG DRUG D10025: Semaglutide. Formula C187H291N45O59, molecular weight 4113.58, CAS 910463-68-2. Source
Zhang X, Belousoff MJ, Liang YL, et al. Structure and dynamics of semaglutide- and taspoglutide-bound GLP-1R-Gs complexes. Cell Rep. 2021;36(2):109374. PubMed
Sources are peer-reviewed publications indexed in PubMed and trial registrations on ClinicalTrials.gov. Each citation was checked against its PubMed record.
For research use only. Not for human consumption.
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