Half-Life.

The science of optimization.

Compound

Semaglutide

GLP-1 receptor agonist (FDA-approved)

FDA-approvedBoxed warning (thyroid C-cell)Prescription only

What it is

Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes and, separately, for chronic weight management in adults meeting specified criteria.[1] It is available in injectable and oral formulations under different brand names.

Regulatory status

FDA-approved for the indications above. The weight-management brand additionally has an approved indication to reduce the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events in certain adults with cardiovascular disease and obesity.[1] The label carries a boxed warning regarding thyroid C-cell tumors. Compounded or 'research-use' semaglutide is not FDA-approved and has been the subject of FDA enforcement.[2]

State of the evidence

Large randomized trials support weight reduction and cardiovascular risk reduction in the approved populations.[1] Common adverse effects include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, particularly during dose escalation.

Sources

  1. [1]FDA, 'FDA approves first treatment to reduce risk of serious heart problems specifically in adults with obesity.'
  2. [2]FDA, 'FDA's concerns with unapproved GLP-1 drugs used for weight loss.'

Educational reference only. Not medical advice. No dosing or protocols are published here.

Newsletter

The science, in your inbox.

Sourced explainers on peptides and biohacking. No hype, no claims — just the research, parsed. One email a week.

Research summaries, not medical advice. Unsubscribe anytime.