Glucagon-like peptide-1 vs Semaglutide
The incretin that anchors the modern metabolic toolkit. A long-acting GLP-1 receptor agonist engineered for once-weekly dosing. Side by side: type, evidence tier, receptor, molecular weight, and half-life — the same fields as each monograph, rearranged so the engineering difference is visible.
Glucagon-like peptide-1 GLP-1 | Semaglutide | |
|---|---|---|
| Also known as | — | Ozempic, Wegovy, Rybelsus |
| Type | Endogenous | Analog |
| Evidence | Established | Established |
| Family | Incretins & metabolic | Incretins & metabolic |
| Class | Proglucagon-derived peptide (~30–31 aa) | GLP-1 receptor agonist (acylated peptide, 31 aa) |
| Receptor | GLP-1 receptor (GLP-1R), a class B GPCR | GLP-1 receptor (GLP-1R) |
| Molecular weight | ~3,297.7 Da | ~4,113.6 Da |
| Half-life | ||
| Based on | Native hormone | Glucagon-like peptide-1 |
Half-life bars are on a logarithmic scale across the molecules shown. Reference values for the native or representative form — educational only, not medical or dosing advice.
Common questions
- What is the difference between Glucagon-like peptide-1 and Semaglutide?
- Glucagon-like peptide-1 is an endogenous hormone; Semaglutide is an engineered analog based on Glucagon-like peptide-1. Glucagon-like peptide-1 signals at GLP-1 receptor (GLP-1R), a class B GPCR; Semaglutide signals at GLP-1 receptor (GLP-1R).
- How do the half-lives of GLP-1 and Semaglutide compare?
- The reported circulating half-life of Glucagon-like peptide-1 is ~1–2 min (native; DPP-4 cleaved); Semaglutide is ~7 days (~165 h). These are reference values for the native or representative form — educational only, not dosing advice.
Prefer the other order? Semaglutide vs Glucagon-like peptide-1. Or open the interactive comparison tool to add more molecules.