Semaglutide

Semaglutide is a long-acting GLP-1 receptor agonist with 94% structural homology to native GLP-1(7-37). It incorporates three key modifications: an Aib (α-aminoisobutyric acid) substitution at position 8 for DPP-4 resistance, an arginine to alanine substitution at position 34, and an acylated C18 fatty diacid chain at lysine 26 that enables high-affinity albumin binding, extending its plasma half-life to approximately 7 days. Semaglutide activates the GLP-1R on pancreatic beta cells, hypothalamic neurons, and gastrointestinal vagal afferents, producing glucose-dependent insulin secretion, glucagon suppression, delayed gastric emptying, and centrally-mediated appetite reduction. Landmark clinical research programs (SUSTAIN and STEP) have demonstrated significant improvements in glycemic control and body weight reduction. Research applications extend to cardiovascular risk reduction studies, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) models, neurodegenerative disease research (including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's models), and kidney disease progression studies. The 2 mg format supports standard-duration research protocols.