Semaglutide
Quick summary
A long-acting GLP-1 receptor agonist. Research focus: GLP-1 receptor agonism, appetite and body-weight regulation and glycemic control. This page leads with SRP's low-and-slow starting dose.
Overview
A long-acting GLP-1 receptor agonist. It is engineered with a fatty-acid side chain so it binds albumin and lasts about a week. It is one of the most heavily studied incretin peptides.
Looking for research material? Simple Research Peptides lists Semaglutide Research Vials | 60 mg, 30 mg & 10 mg for laboratory research use.
Mechanism
A GLP-1 receptor agonist modified with a fatty-acid side chain that binds albumin, which stretches its half-life to about a week. Activating the receptor boosts glucose-dependent insulin release, slows stomach emptying and acts on appetite centers in the brain.
Research areas
- GLP-1 receptor agonism
- appetite and body-weight regulation
- glycemic control
Storage & reconstitution
Typically supplied as a lyophilized powder; keep sealed vials cold (refrigerated short term, frozen for long-term holding) and away from light. Laboratories commonly reconstitute with bacteriostatic or sterile water, swirling gently rather than shaking, and keep the solution refrigerated, using it within a few weeks.
Recommended starting dose (low and slow)
| Starting dose | Trial-style schedule: 0.25 mg once weekly, subcutaneous. |
|---|---|
| Frequency | Once weekly. |
| Reconstitution | Bring vial and bacteriostatic water to room temp, add water slowly, let dissolve undisturbed, never shake; discard if cloudy. Example 10 mg vial + 2 mL = 5 mg/mL. |
Trial-style titration: 0.25 mg weekly, increasing every 4 weeks to a 2.4 mg maintenance dose (~16 weeks of escalation).
Studied higher doses
Studies have used doses up to the amounts below. Higher doses can be dangerous. Whether a person can reach them safely depends on height, weight, activity level, training and pre-existing conditions. We recommend following the lower starting dose above, and contacting SRP with any questions.
| Highest amount reported in studies | Target dose in the schedule: 2.4 mg once weekly. |
|---|---|
| Step-up schedules reported | Step up every 4 weeks through 0.5, 1.0 and 1.7 mg to the target, about 16 weeks of escalation. |
Route and timing
Route: Subcutaneous injection after reconstitution is the route most often described in research protocols.
Timing: Pending - to be added by SRP
Cycle length and repeat
Pending - to be added by SRP
Half-life
Approximate, for Bobby's review: About 7 days (roughly one week).
Side effects
Pending - to be added by SRP
Suggested bloodwork and monitoring
Draft, for Bobby's review: CBC and comprehensive metabolic panel (kidney and liver function, electrolytes) before starting and again after a few weeks; fasting glucose, HbA1c and lipid panel; lipase where GLP-1 or amylin-pathway compounds are involved.
Cautions
Pending - to be added by SRP
Reconstitution calculator
Math aid only. It converts the numbers you enter; it is not dosing advice. For research use only. Prefilled with this page's vial size, reconstitution and low-and-slow starting dose where known; change any value.
Frequently asked questions
What is Semaglutide studied for?
In research it is studied for GLP-1 receptor agonism, appetite and body-weight regulation and glycemic control. A GLP-1 receptor agonist modified with a fatty-acid side chain that binds albumin, which stretches its half-life to about a week.
How is Semaglutide given in research?
Subcutaneous injection after reconstitution is the route most often described in research protocols. See the dosing frequency block on this page for how often.
What amount should a researcher start with?
This page lists SRP's low-and-slow starting dose in the Recommended starting dose section. Higher amounts that appear in studies are listed separately with their safety context. Start with the lower dose and contact SRP with any questions.
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Last updated: October 19, 2026