Metabolic & weight

Semaglutide

A long-acting analogue of glucagon-like peptide-1.

About

Semaglutide is a synthetic analogue of the incretin hormone glucagon-like peptide-1, structurally modified for extended duration of action. It has been through extensive clinical development and holds approved indications in many jurisdictions. Regulatory status in Mexico is subject to sanitary registration and to data-protection rulings that affect generic availability; this compound is handled by individual professional consultation only.

Mechanism

The molecule is an agonist at the GLP-1 receptor. Amino acid substitution at position 8 reduces degradation by dipeptidyl peptidase-4, and acylation with a fatty diacid chain promotes albumin binding, together extending half-life substantially relative to native GLP-1. Receptor agonism is associated in the clinical literature with glucose-dependent insulin secretion, suppression of glucagon release, slowed gastric emptying and central effects on appetite regulation.

What research has examined

Semaglutide has been evaluated in large randomised cardiovascular and weight-management outcome trials.