Semaglutide vs Glucagon-like peptide-1
A long-acting GLP-1 receptor agonist engineered for once-weekly dosing. The incretin that anchors the modern metabolic toolkit. 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.
Semaglutide | Glucagon-like peptide-1 GLP-1 | |
|---|---|---|
| Also known as | Ozempic, Wegovy, Rybelsus | — |
| Type | Analog | Endogenous |
| Evidence | Established | Established |
| Family | Incretins & metabolic | Incretins & metabolic |
| Class | GLP-1 receptor agonist (acylated peptide, 31 aa) | Proglucagon-derived peptide (~30–31 aa) |
| Receptor | GLP-1 receptor (GLP-1R) | GLP-1 receptor (GLP-1R), a class B GPCR |
| Molecular weight | ~4,113.6 Da | ~3,297.7 Da |
| Half-life | ||
| Based on | Glucagon-like peptide-1 | Native hormone |
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 Semaglutide and Glucagon-like peptide-1?
- Semaglutide is an engineered analog based on Glucagon-like peptide-1; Glucagon-like peptide-1 is an endogenous hormone. Semaglutide signals at GLP-1 receptor (GLP-1R); Glucagon-like peptide-1 signals at GLP-1 receptor (GLP-1R), a class B GPCR.
- How do the half-lives of Semaglutide and GLP-1 compare?
- The reported circulating half-life of Semaglutide is ~7 days (~165 h); Glucagon-like peptide-1 is ~1–2 min (native; DPP-4 cleaved). These are reference values for the native or representative form — educational only, not dosing advice.
- Is Semaglutide the same as Ozempic?
- Ozempic, Wegovy, Rybelsus are brand names of Semaglutide. This comparison describes the molecules, not branded products.
Prefer the other order? Glucagon-like peptide-1 vs Semaglutide. Or open the interactive comparison tool to add more molecules.