Last reviewed: October 2026 · Cleared Peptides research team
Semaglutide is a synthetic analog of human glucagon-like peptide-1, GLP-1(7–37), engineered for resistance to enzymatic degradation and for albumin binding. It is a selective GLP-1 receptor agonist and serves as a standard reference ligand in GLP-1R binding, signaling and analytical research.
In this guide:
- Structure and identifiers
- Design features
- GLP-1 receptor pharmacology
- Comparison table
- Purity testing
- FAQ
Other names
The heading on this page stays the published compound name, because that is the name researchers search. The catalog code is the label Cleared Peptides prints on that research material. It is the same substance, not a second compound, and it is not a CAS name.
| Published name | Semaglutide |
|---|---|
| Development code | NN9535 |
| CAS number | 910463-68-2 |
| Catalog code | CP-SEMA |
| Informal names | Sema. Semaglutide is the single-receptor comparator. It does not use the CP-Reta label. |
Semaglutide Structure and Identifiers
| Name | Semaglutide |
|---|---|
| Development code | NN9535 |
| CAS number | 910463-68-2 |
| PubChem CID | 56843331 |
| Molecular formula | C187H291N45O59 |
| Molecular weight | ≈4113.6 g/mol |
| Length | 31 amino acids (GLP-1(7–37) analog) |
| Substitutions | Ala8→Aib, Lys34→Arg |
| Lipidation | C18 fatty diacid on Lys26 via γGlu–2×OEG linker |
| Physical form (research grade) | Lyophilized white powder |
Key Design Features
- Aib at position 8 blocks cleavage by dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4), the enzyme that rapidly inactivates native GLP-1.
- Arg at position 34 leaves Lys26 as the single lysine available for site-specific acylation.
- C18 diacid side chain provides strong, reversible albumin binding, a model system for half-life-extension research.
Semaglutide GLP-1 Receptor Pharmacology
In vitro, semaglutide binds the GLP-1 receptor with high affinity and stimulates cAMP production; affinity is reduced in the presence of albumin, reflecting its albumin binding. It has negligible activity at GIPR and GCGR, making it the single-receptor comparator in studies with tirzepatide and retatrutide. It is also frequently paired with the amylin analog cagrilintide — see our cagrilintide + semaglutide guide.
Semaglutide vs Tirzepatide vs Retatrutide
| Compound | Receptors (in vitro) | Length | CAS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Semaglutide | GLP-1R | 31 aa | 910463-68-2 |
| Tirzepatide | GIPR + GLP-1R | 39 aa | 2023788-19-2 |
| Retatrutide | GIPR + GLP-1R + GCGR | 39 aa | 2381089-83-2 |
Semaglutide Purity and Analytical Testing
Each lot of Cleared Peptides semaglutide (CP-SEMA) is tested by an independent laboratory for identity (MS) and purity (HPLC), with the COA published on our COA page. Store lyophilized semaglutide at −20 °C, dry and protected from light.
Research materials referenced in this guide
Frequently Asked Questions
What is semaglutide?
Semaglutide is a synthetic, acylated analog of GLP-1(7–37) that acts as a selective GLP-1 receptor agonist in laboratory assays.
What is the CAS number of semaglutide?
910463-68-2. Molecular formula C187H291N45O59, MW ≈4113.6 g/mol.
Why does semaglutide contain Aib?
Aib (α-aminoisobutyric acid) at position 8 protects the peptide from DPP-4 cleavage.
Is CP-SEMA the same as semaglutide?
Yes. CP-SEMA is Cleared Peptides’ code for research-grade semaglutide, verified per lot.
Is this semaglutide for human use?
No. It is sold for laboratory research use only and is not for human or veterinary use.
Selected References
Peer-reviewed literature on the compounds discussed in this guide, listed as scientific background for laboratory researchers. Citation does not imply endorsement by the authors or any use other than in-vitro research.
- Lau J, et al. Discovery of the Once-Weekly Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) Analogue Semaglutide. J Med Chem. 2015;58(18):7370-80. PubMed 26308095 · DOI
- Knudsen LB, et al. The Discovery and Development of Liraglutide and Semaglutide. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne). 2019;10:155. PubMed 31031702 · DOI
- Papakonstantinou I, et al. Spotlight on the Mechanism of Action of Semaglutide. Curr Issues Mol Biol. 2024;46(12):14514-14541. PubMed 39728000 · DOI
Laboratory note: solubility depends on salt form and solvent. This guide does not state a single solubility figure. Handling of lyophilized material is described in the peptide storage guide.
Research Use Only Notice
This guide is provided for educational and laboratory reference purposes. It summarizes published, primarily in-vitro and structural research literature and does not describe, recommend or imply any use in humans or animals. Products sold by Cleared Peptides are for laboratory research use only; they are not drugs, foods, cosmetics or dietary supplements, are not FDA-approved, and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, mitigate or prevent any disease. No dosing, administration or therapeutic information is provided.
