A long-acting GLP-1 receptor agonist developed by Novo Nordisk. It mimics the natural incretin hormone GLP-1, slowing gastric emptying, increasing satiety, and improving glycaemic control.

Is Semaglutide authorised in the EU?

Yes — authorised by the EMA since 2018 under Ozempic (type 2 diabetes), 2022 under Wegovy (chronic weight management), and as oral Rybelsus. Prescription-only.

What is the difference between Ozempic and Wegovy?

Same active ingredient (semaglutide), different indications and doses. Ozempic is authorised for type 2 diabetes up to 1 mg weekly; Wegovy is authorised for chronic weight management at higher doses up to 2.4 mg weekly.

Who makes Semaglutide?

Novo Nordisk is the originator. The compound is under patent through the late 2020s in major markets; no authorised generics yet.

How is Semaglutide dosed?

Once-weekly subcutaneous injection, titrated from 0.25 mg upward over 16+ weeks to minimise gastrointestinal side effects. The target dose depends on indication.

Semaglutide — Peptidepedia

MOLECULAR INFORMATION

Molecular information

Weight: 4,113.6 Da
Type: GLP-1 receptor agonist · once-weekly subcutaneous
Formula: C₁₈₇H₂₉₁N₄₅O₅₉

Semaglutide is a long-acting GLP-1 receptor agonist developed by Novo Nordisk and authorised by the EMA under the trade names Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus. It is the first GLP-1 analogue with demonstrated cardiovascular outcome benefit in non-diabetic patients with obesity.

Indications (EU authorisation)

Type 2 diabetes mellitus — Ozempic / Rybelsus
Chronic weight management — Wegovy (BMI ≥ 30 or ≥ 27 with comorbidity)
Cardiovascular risk reduction in obesity — Wegovy, since 2024

Why we grade it S

Two large RCTs (SUSTAIN, STEP) plus the SELECT cardiovascular outcomes trial. Effect sizes are large, consistent, and independently replicated. Authorised across all 27 EU member states.

Regulatory authorisations

US	2017	as Ozempic
EU	2018	as Ozempic
US	2019	as Rybelsus
US	2021	as Wegovy
EU	2022	as Wegovy

RECONSTITUTION

How to reconstitute

YOU WILL NEED

Bacteriostatic water (BAC water)
Insulin syringes (0.5–1 mL)
Alcohol swabs
Vial of lyophilized peptide
Sterile work surface

PROCEDURE

01Clean the work area and hands thoroughly.
02Calculate the required bacteriostatic-water volume for the desired concentration.
03Draw the calculated BAC water into the syringe.
04Inject the water slowly down the inside wall of the vial — not directly onto the powder cake.
05Gently swirl until fully dissolved. Never shake.
06Store the reconstituted vial refrigerated at 2–8 °C and use within 28 days.

Standard biotech reconstitution procedure. Always use sterile technique. This is research-protocol guidance, not medical advice.

References

SUSTAIN-6 2016

3,297 participants

Cardiovascular outcomes in T2DM — 26% relative risk reduction in MACE
STEP-1 2021

1,961 participants

Weight management in obesity — −14.9% body weight at 68 weeks vs −2.4% placebo
SELECT 2023

17,604 participants

Cardiovascular outcomes in non-diabetic obesity — 20% relative risk reduction in MACE

Frequently asked questions

What is Semaglutide?: A long-acting GLP-1 receptor agonist developed by Novo Nordisk. It mimics the natural incretin hormone GLP-1, slowing gastric emptying, increasing satiety, and improving glycaemic control.
Is Semaglutide authorised in the EU?: Yes — authorised by the EMA since 2018 under Ozempic (type 2 diabetes), 2022 under Wegovy (chronic weight management), and as oral Rybelsus. Prescription-only.
What is the difference between Ozempic and Wegovy?: Same active ingredient (semaglutide), different indications and doses. Ozempic is authorised for type 2 diabetes up to 1 mg weekly; Wegovy is authorised for chronic weight management at higher doses up to 2.4 mg weekly.
Who makes Semaglutide?: Novo Nordisk is the originator. The compound is under patent through the late 2020s in major markets; no authorised generics yet.
How is Semaglutide dosed?: Once-weekly subcutaneous injection, titrated from 0.25 mg upward over 16+ weeks to minimise gastrointestinal side effects. The target dose depends on indication.