Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist
Semaglutide
Approvedaka Ozempic, Wegovy, Rybelsus
Semaglutide is an approved once-weekly injectable (and once-daily oral) GLP-1 therapy for type 2 diabetes and, at higher doses, for chronic weight management. Randomized trials demonstrate meaningful reductions in HbA1c and body weight, and the SELECT trial showed reduced cardiovascular events in people with overweight or obesity and established cardiovascular disease. It is a prescription medicine used under medical supervision.
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Mechanism
In plain terms, semaglutide copies a natural gut hormone that signals fullness and helps control blood sugar. Technically, it is a GLP-1 analogue with high homology to human GLP-1 that agonizes the GLP-1 receptor, stimulating glucose-dependent insulin secretion, suppressing glucagon release, slowing gastric emptying, and acting on appetite-regulating centers to reduce energy intake. Structural modifications extend its half-life to allow once-weekly (injectable) dosing.
Regulatory Status by Region
- United States (FDA)Approved. Ozempic for type 2 diabetes (2017, cardiovascular risk reduction added 2020); Rybelsus oral for type 2 diabetes (2019); Wegovy for chronic weight management (2021) and cardiovascular risk reduction (2024); oral Wegovy for weight management approved in 2025.
- Australia (TGA)Registered on the ARTG - Ozempic for type 2 diabetes and Wegovy for weight management, available on prescription.
- European Union (EMA)Authorized - Ozempic and Rybelsus for type 2 diabetes and Wegovy for weight management.
- WADANot prohibited. On the WADA Monitoring Program (introduced 2024, continued into 2026); it is tracked but not a banned substance.
Key Studies
- Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity (STEP 1; Wilding et al.) (opens in a new tab) (N Engl J Med 2021;384:989-1002; DOI 10.1056/NEJMoa2032183; PMID 33567185)
- Semaglutide and Cardiovascular Outcomes in Obesity without Diabetes (SELECT; Lincoff et al.) (opens in a new tab) (N Engl J Med 2023;389:2221-2232; DOI 10.1056/NEJMoa2307563; PMID 37952131)
- Semaglutide and Cardiovascular Outcomes in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes (SUSTAIN-6; Marso et al.) (opens in a new tab) (N Engl J Med 2016;375:1834-1844; DOI 10.1056/NEJMoa1607141; PMID 27633186)
Related Clinical Trials
- GLP-1 RA for Stage 1 Type 1 DiabetesPhase 2 · Not Yet Recruiting
- Evaluating the Efficacy and Safety of LUM-201 Plus Semaglutide Versus Semaglutide Plus Placebo in Older Obese AdultsPhase 2 · Not Yet Recruiting
- Semaglutide for Low Back PainPhase 2 · Not Yet Recruiting
- GLP-1/GIP Receptor Agonists in Obesity-Related HFpEF: The GLIDE-HF RegistryN/A · Not Yet Recruiting
- Metabolic Surgery for Atrial Fibrillation EliminationPhase 4 · Not Yet Recruiting
- GLP-1 RA on Alcohol Consumption, Metabolism and Liver Parameters in Patients With Obesity and Fatty Liver DiseaseN/A · Not Yet Recruiting
- Semaglutide Dose Effects on Metabolic and Stress Hormone, Craving and Alcohol Use OutcomesPhase 1 · Not Yet Recruiting
- GLP-1 Plus Lifestyle for Overall Wellness: Find Your Way ForwardPhase 4 · Not Yet Recruiting
Related News & Research
- This Week in Peptide Research: Survodutide's Phase 3 Obesity Data, Mazdutide's US Phase 2 Trial, and a Bone-Peptide Cluster
- Full PIONEER TEENS Results Posted: Oral Semaglutide Lowered HbA1c in Adolescents With Type 2 Diabetes
- Prespecified SELECT Analysis Finds Semaglutide Lowered Inflammation Marker Tied to Cardiovascular Risk
- STEP 12 Trial Finds Semaglutide Cut Bodyweight by Nearly 10 Percentage Points More Than Placebo in Chinese Adults
- Post Hoc SELECT Trial Analysis Finds Semaglutide Slowed a Blood-Based Dementia Risk Score
Latest research
- Hunger pain and its reduction; qualitative insight from people with schizophrenia on semaglutide. (opens in a new tab)
International journal of qualitative studies on health and well-being · Aug 18, 2026
- Comparative effects of semaglutide tirzepatide and retatrutide on renal fibrosis in UUO and aged mice. (opens in a new tab)
iScience · Aug 13, 2026
- Design, synthesis, and stability evaluation of semaglutide-derived lactam-stapled peptide scaffolds for GLP-1R targeting. (opens in a new tab)
Journal of enzyme inhibition and medicinal chemistry · Aug 11, 2026
- One-year weight loss and metabolic outcomes after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy in adolescents compared with young adults: A propensity score-matched cohort study. (opens in a new tab)
Obesity pillars · Aug 7, 2026
Common Questions
- What is Semaglutide?
- Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist from Novo Nordisk, marketed as Ozempic and Rybelsus (type 2 diabetes) and Wegovy (chronic weight management and cardiovascular risk reduction). It is FDA- and EMA-approved and TGA-registered, supported by the SUSTAIN, STEP, and SELECT trial programs.
- Is Semaglutide approved for medical use?
- Semaglutide is approved for one or more medical uses in at least one major jurisdiction. United States (FDA): Approved. Ozempic for type 2 diabetes (2017, cardiovascular risk reduction added 2020); Rybelsus oral for type 2 diabetes (2019); Wegovy for chronic weight management (2021) and cardiovascular risk reduction (2024); oral Wegovy for weight management approved in 2025. European Union (EMA): Authorized - Ozempic and Rybelsus for type 2 diabetes and Wegovy for weight management. Australia (TGA): Registered on the ARTG - Ozempic for type 2 diabetes and Wegovy for weight management, available on prescription.
- How does Semaglutide work?
- In plain terms, semaglutide copies a natural gut hormone that signals fullness and helps control blood sugar. Technically, it is a GLP-1 analogue with high homology to human GLP-1 that agonizes the GLP-1 receptor, stimulating glucose-dependent insulin secretion, suppressing glucagon release, slowing gastric emptying, and acting on appetite-regulating centers to reduce energy intake.
- Is Semaglutide legal in Australia?
- Semaglutide in Australia (TGA): Registered on the ARTG - Ozempic for type 2 diabetes and Wegovy for weight management, available on prescription.
- Is Semaglutide banned in sport?
- Semaglutide under the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) code: Not prohibited. On the WADA Monitoring Program (introduced 2024, continued into 2026); it is tracked but not a banned substance.