Sequence, molecular data, research status and testing standards for Semaglutide, written for Canadian researchers.
Semaglutide is a synthetic analogue of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), a hormone released from the gut after eating. A fatty-acid side chain helps it bind albumin in the blood, so it lasts far longer than the natural hormone. It was developed by Novo Nordisk.
Semaglutide has been studied in large clinical trial programs and is authorized by Health Canada under brand names including Ozempic, Wegovy and Rybelsus as prescription drugs. It acts on the GLP-1 receptor, which is involved in insulin release, appetite signalling and digestion. Researchers continue to study its effects across metabolic research areas.
What it is: A lab-made copy of GLP-1, a hormone the gut releases after eating.
The plain-English story: The star of the show. After a meal, your gut sends GLP-1: 'release insulin, slow the food, we're full'. Semaglutide is a lab-made copy with a fatty tail that keeps it working for about a week. It is a real prescription medicine in Canada (Ozempic and Wegovy) with large trials behind it, which is why fake versions sold online are a real danger.
What it does in the body: GLP-1 helps the body release insulin when blood sugar is high, slows digestion and tells the brain you are full. A fatty add-on keeps it working for about a week.
What researchers are looking at: Proven in large clinical trials.
What you may hear online: Videos often call it a weight-loss shot you can get easily online.
The straight story: The real medicine is prescription only and comes from a pharmacy. Health Canada has warned about fake and unauthorized products sold online.
The catch (where it stands in Canada): An authorized prescription medicine in Canada (Ozempic and Wegovy).
Educational information only. Not medical advice, and not a claim that this peptide is safe or effective for any use.
Peptide Authority summarizes published research for educational purposes only. Nothing here is medical advice or a claim that Semaglutide is safe or effective for any use.
| Receptors targeted | Status in Canada | |
|---|---|---|
| Semaglutide | GLP-1 | Authorized prescription drug (e.g. Ozempic, Wegovy) |
| Tirzepatide | GIP + GLP-1 | Authorized prescription drug (Mounjaro) |
| Retatrutide | GIP + GLP-1 + glucagon | Investigational, not authorized |
See the tirzepatide and retatrutide profiles.
Semaglutide is a prescription drug. In Canada it may only be sold through licensed pharmacies with a valid prescription, and only as an authorized brand-name product. Health Canada has warned Canadians about counterfeit and unauthorized semaglutide products sold online. Read how peptides are regulated in Canada.
Semaglutide is a synthetic analogue of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), a hormone released from the gut after eating. A fatty-acid side chain helps it bind albumin in the blood, so it lasts far longer than the natural hormone. It was developed by Novo Nordisk. It is also known as Ozempic, Wegovy, Rybelsus.
Semaglutide is a prescription drug. In Canada it may only be sold through licensed pharmacies with a valid prescription, and only as an authorized brand-name product. Health Canada has warned Canadians about counterfeit and unauthorized semaglutide products sold online.
It is a prescription drug that should only come from a licensed pharmacy with a prescription. Products sold online as semaglutide outside that system are unauthorized and their contents cannot be verified. Speak with a licensed healthcare professional about authorized options.
Semaglutide activates one receptor (GLP-1). Tirzepatide activates two (GIP and GLP-1). Retatrutide is an investigational molecule designed to activate three (GIP, GLP-1 and glucagon). Semaglutide and tirzepatide are authorized prescription drugs in Canada; retatrutide is not authorized.
39 amino acids (modified, lipidated) · 4731.3 g/mol
This profile is for information only and is not medical advice. This profile is educational only and is not medical advice. See our full disclaimer.