Injection into the fatty tissue just beneath the skin, typically in the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm.
Most therapeutic peptides are administered subcutaneously because the slow absorption rate from subcutaneous fat produces a flatter pharmacokinetic profile than intravenous dosing, and the route is accessible for patient self-injection.
Compounds where this term is relevant
- Semaglutide · GLP-1 receptor agonist · once-weekly subcutaneous
- Tirzepatide · Dual GIP / GLP-1 receptor agonist · once-weekly subcutaneous
- Tesamorelin · Synthetic GHRH analogue · stimulates pituitary GH release · daily subcutaneous
- Bremelanotide · Melanocortin (MC1R/MC3R/MC4R) receptor agonist · on-demand subcutaneous
Related terms
- Intramuscular · Injection directly into muscle tissue, typically in the deltoid, vastus laterali…
- Bioavailability · The fraction of an administered dose that reaches systemic circulation in unchan…