METABOLIC MONOGRAPH
Semaglutide Research Monograph
Long-acting GLP-1 receptor agonist — incretin-research peptide
Semaglutide is a synthetic 31-amino-acid peptide and a long-acting GLP-1 receptor agonist. It is the most extensively published GLP-1 mono-agonist in current research literature, with foundational pharmacology dating to 2012.
Receptor selectivity
Semaglutide engages the GLP-1 receptor (GLP-1R) with high selectivity. It does not engage the GIP or glucagon receptors, distinguishing it from dual agonists like tirzepatide and triple agonists like retatrutide.
Structure and half-life modification
The 31-amino-acid sequence carries a γGlu-C18 fatty-diacid side chain that drives reversible albumin binding and extends plasma half-life into the once-weekly dosing range. Aminoisobutyric acid substitutions confer DPP-IV resistance.
Primary research literature
Semaglutide's pharmacology research dates to 2012, with the SUSTAIN-, STEP-, and PIONEER-program studies generating an extensive body of literature on glycemic regulation, body-weight regulation, and cardiovascular outcomes from 2017 onward.
Storage, reconstitution, and handling
Lyophilised semaglutide is stable at −20°C in its sealed vial. After reconstitution, working solutions should be stored at 2–8°C and used within 14 days. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
Comparison with related research peptides
Semaglutide is most often compared with tirzepatide (dual GLP-1/GIP) and retatrutide (triple GLP-1/GIP/glucagon). See the VESPER /compare/tirzepatide-vs-semaglutide and /compare/semaglutide-vs-retatrutide pages for direct comparisons.
Quality and verification
VESPER semaglutide is supplied at ≥99.5% HPLC purity, with sequence identity confirmed by mass spectrometry on every batch.
Sequence
H-Aib-EGTFTSDVSSYLEGQAAKEFIAWLVRGRG-OH (γGlu-C18 fatty diacid side chain)
Molecular weight
4113.6 g/mol
CAS
910463-68-2
Purity
≥99.5%
Storage
−20°C, protected from light
Vial format
5mg / vial
Frequently asked
Is semaglutide selective for GLP-1?
Yes — semaglutide is a high-selectivity GLP-1 mono-agonist. It does not engage GIP or glucagon receptors.
What is the half-life modification on semaglutide?
A γ-glutamic acid linker plus a C18 fatty-diacid side chain promotes reversible albumin binding and extends plasma half-life.
What is the molecular weight of semaglutide?
Approximately 4113.6 g/mol for the 31-amino-acid peptide with C18 fatty-diacid modification.
⚠ For research use only. Not for human consumption.