Semaglutide Canada: GLP-1 Research Peptide Guide

By the ThePeptide Research Team  ·  Independently verified 99%+ HPLC purity (COA on product page)  ·  Last updated July 2026

Semaglutide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist — the most extensively studied compound in the GLP-1 class, developed by Novo Nordisk. This guide is a complete reference for Canadian laboratory researchers: molecular profile, GLP-1 mechanism, pharmacokinetics, STEP 1 clinical data, safety findings, third-party purity, reconstitution, and domestic sourcing of Semaglutide (5 mg & 10 mg).

14.9%
Peak trial weight loss
99%+
HPLC purity, verified
~7 days
Elimination half-life
GLP-1
Single-receptor agonist
Research Use Only The semaglutide sold by ThePeptide.ca is supplied strictly for in-vitro laboratory and research use only. It is NOT approved by Health Canada or the FDA for this application and is NOT for human or animal consumption. All dosing figures refer to doses administered in published clinical trials, provided for scientific reference only — they are not instructions for use. Nothing here is medical advice.

Key takeaways

  • The most-studied GLP-1 agonist. Semaglutide engages the single GLP-1 receptor and has the largest clinical evidence base of the class — the reference compound for GLP-1 research.
  • Foundational published weight loss. 14.9% mean at 68 weeks (2.4 mg, STEP 1), the benchmark that tirzepatide (20.9%) and retatrutide (30.3%) are measured against.
  • Independently verified. 99%+ HPLC purity, COA available on the product page.
  • Research use only. FDA-approved clinically as Ozempic/Wegovy/Rybelsus, but supplied here strictly for laboratory research — not for human consumption.
  • Made in Canada, shipped domestically, from $59.00 CAD.

Semaglutide Quick Facts

Compound class GLP-1 receptor agonist (peptide analogue)
CAS number 910463-68-2
Molecular formula C187H291N45O59
Molar mass ~4113.6 g/mol
Peptide length 31 amino acids, fatty-acid (albumin-binding) modified
Vials 5 mg (SKU SEMA-5MG) & 10 mg (SKU SEMA-10MG)
Verified purity 99%+ by HPLC (COA on product page)
Storage Lyophilized: cool & dark; reconstituted: refrigerate 2–8 °C
Developer / status Novo Nordisk; FDA-approved as Ozempic/Wegovy/Rybelsus (research use only here)
Origin Made and shipped in Canada
Price From $59.00 CAD (5mg) / $89.00 (10mg)
Semaglutide 5mg →Semaglutide 10mg →

What Is Semaglutide?

Semaglutide is a synthetic analogue of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), an incretin hormone released by the intestine in response to nutrient intake. It is structurally modified to resist enzymatic degradation by DPP-4 and to bind albumin, giving it a long circulating half-life. Developed by Novo Nordisk, it is marketed pharmaceutically as Ozempic and Rybelsus (diabetes) and Wegovy (weight management), and is the most-referenced peptide in metabolic research owing to its large clinical evidence base.

In the research-peptide context it is supplied as a lyophilized powder for reconstitution and research use only — not a formulated, approved, or prescription drug product, and not for administration to humans or animals.

In one line: semaglutide is the single-receptor GLP-1 agonist that defined the class — its deep clinical evidence base makes it the baseline every newer dual and triple agonist is compared against.

Molecular Profile

Semaglutide is a 31-amino-acid GLP-1 analogue carrying a fatty-acid modification that promotes reversible albumin binding — the structural basis for its long half-life. Its defined chemistry makes it a standard reference compound for GLP-1 receptor research.

CAS number 910463-68-2
Molecular formula C187H291N45O59
Molar mass ~4113.6 g/mol
Length 31 amino acids, fatty-acid (albumin-binding) modified
Class GLP-1 receptor agonist
Originator Novo Nordisk

Verifying identity and purity against a Certificate of Analysis is standard before a lot enters a protocol. ↑ Back to top

The GLP-1 Receptor Agonist Mechanism

GLP-1 receptor agonists mimic endogenous GLP-1 at its receptor, a G-protein-coupled receptor expressed in the pancreas, gastrointestinal tract, and central nervous system. In the published pharmacology, activation is associated with glucose-dependent insulin secretion, glucagon suppression, delayed gastric emptying, and central appetite signaling. Because semaglutide is engineered for extended receptor engagement, these mechanisms are sustained across a weekly interval in the trials.

Semaglutide engages a single receptor (GLP-1). The dual agonist tirzepatide adds GIP, and the triple agonist retatrutide adds glucagon — the progression analyzed in our comparison guide. ↑ Back to top

Pharmacokinetics & Half-Life

Semaglutide's albumin-binding fatty-acid modification gives it an elimination half-life of approximately one week (about 165 hours), which is what enables once-weekly subcutaneous administration in its clinical formulations. In the trials it was titrated stepwise to the maintenance dose over roughly 16 weeks — the titration schedule detailed in our research dosing reference. For laboratory handling, use the reconstitution calculator to convert vial mass and solvent volume into a precise mg/mL concentration. ↑ Back to top

Clinical Research: STEP 1 Data

The most-cited body-weight study is STEP 1 (Wilding et al., New England Journal of Medicine, 2021), a 68-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of 1,961 adults on once-weekly semaglutide 2.4 mg. Reported research findings:

Group (as administered) Duration Mean body-weight change ≥5% responders
Semaglutide 2.4 mg 68 weeks −14.9% 86.4%
Placebo 68 weeks −2.4% 31.5%

STEP 1 (DOI: 10.1056/NEJMoa2032183; PMID: 33567185; NCT03548935). Cardiovascular outcomes were separately examined in SUSTAIN-6 (Marso et al., NEJM 2016). These figures describe outcomes of the pharmaceutical drug product in a clinical trial population and are not a claim about the research-grade material or guidance for any use. ↑ Back to top

Safety & Adverse Events in Trials

Across the semaglutide clinical program the most common adverse events were gastrointestinal — predominantly nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and constipation — generally mild-to-moderate and transient, and the reason stepwise dose escalation was used. These figures describe outcomes in the supervised clinical trial population and are reported here for scientific reference only. ↑ Back to top

Semaglutide vs Tirzepatide vs Retatrutide

Semaglutide belongs to a rapidly expanding class of incretin peptides. The table compares peak trial weight-reduction figures, each from the compound's respective clinical publication — not a head-to-head comparison.

Compound Receptor target(s) Peak trial reduction Developer Status
Semaglutide GLP-1 (single) 14.9% (STEP 1) Novo Nordisk Approved (Ozempic/Wegovy)
Tirzepatide GIP + GLP-1 (dual) 20.9% (SURMOUNT-1) Eli Lilly Approved (Mounjaro/Zepbound)
Retatrutide GIP + GLP-1 + glucagon (triple) 30.3% (TRIUMPH-1) Eli Lilly Phase 3 (investigational)

Expanding the receptor set from single to dual to triple tracks with larger reported reductions — the full analysis is in our Semaglutide vs Tirzepatide vs Retatrutide comparison. ↑ Back to top

5mg vs 10mg: Choosing a Research Quantity

ThePeptide.ca stocks semaglutide in two lyophilized vial sizes. The choice is a matter of total material quantity per vial — not a personal dosing decision.

  • Semaglutide 5 mg (SKU SEMA-5MG, from $59.00 CAD) — a smaller quantity for shorter reference studies, method validation, or initial assay work.
  • Semaglutide 10 mg (SKU SEMA-10MG, from $89.00 CAD) — a larger quantity with a lower cost per milligram for extended protocols.

Both contain the same 99%+ HPLC-verified material; only total mass differs. Use the bacteriostatic water chart to plan reconstitution volume. ↑ Back to top

Purity, COA & Third-Party Testing

Every batch of semaglutide sold by ThePeptide.ca is independently verified to 99%+ purity by HPLC, with a Certificate of Analysis on each product page. HPLC is the analytical standard for peptide purity, separating the target peptide from process-related impurities. To validate a lot yourself, see our guide on where to get research peptides tested in Canada. ↑ Back to top

Reconstitution & Handling (Research Context)

Lyophilized semaglutide is reconstituted with bacteriostatic water added slowly down the vial wall, then swirled gently (not shaken) until dissolved. Our reconstitution calculator and how much bacteriostatic water to add guide give exact concentrations, and fine measurement uses U-100 insulin syringes. Laboratory technique only, not directions for any in-vivo use. ↑ Back to top

Storage & Stability

Lyophilized semaglutide powder is kept cool and dark until use. After reconstitution the solution is refrigerated at 2–8 °C, protected from light, with repeated warming and freeze-thaw cycling avoided. Inspect for cloudiness or particulates before use in any assay. ↑ Back to top

Why Canadian Researchers Source Domestically

  • No customs seizures — domestic shipments avoid border delays and confiscation risk on cold-chain-sensitive material.
  • Faster shipping — in-country logistics shorten delivery and protect integrity.
  • CAD pricing — transparent Canadian-dollar pricing with no surprise conversion or duties.

See our guide to buying research peptides in Canada. ↑ Back to top

Shop Semaglutide — 99%+ HPLC, made in Canada →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is semaglutide legal to buy in Canada?

Semaglutide sold by ThePeptide.ca is supplied strictly for laboratory and research use only. It is not approved by Health Canada or the FDA for this use and is not for human consumption. It is offered as a research chemical, not a drug or supplement.

What is the difference between semaglutide and tirzepatide?

Semaglutide targets only the GLP-1 receptor; tirzepatide is a dual agonist targeting both GIP and GLP-1. Peak reported reductions were 14.9% (STEP 1) versus 20.9% (SURMOUNT-1). See the tirzepatide guide.

What is semaglutide's CAS number and molecular formula?

Semaglutide has CAS number 910463-68-2, molecular formula C187H291N45O59, molar mass approximately 4113.6 g/mol, and is a 31-amino-acid GLP-1 receptor agonist developed by Novo Nordisk.

What purity is ThePeptide.ca semaglutide?

All semaglutide is independently verified to 99%+ purity by HPLC. A Certificate of Analysis documenting identity and purity testing is available on each product page for review before purchase.

Should I choose the 5mg or 10mg vial?

Both sizes contain the same material; only total quantity differs. The 5 mg vial suits shorter studies and method validation; the 10 mg vial offers a lower cost per milligram for extended protocols. It is a research-planning choice, not a dosing decision.

What is the STEP 1 trial?

STEP 1 (Wilding et al., NEJM 2021) was a 68-week randomized, placebo-controlled trial of once-weekly semaglutide 2.4 mg in 1,961 adults. It reported a mean body-weight change of −14.9% versus −2.4% with placebo.

What were the main side effects in semaglutide trials?

The most common adverse events were gastrointestinal — nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and constipation — generally mild-to-moderate and transient. Reported for reference only.

Is research semaglutide the same as Ozempic?

Semaglutide is the molecule inside Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus (Novo Nordisk). The research-grade material sold here is for laboratory use only and is not a formulated, approved, or prescription drug product.

How is semaglutide reconstituted and stored?

The lyophilized powder is reconstituted with bacteriostatic water added down the vial wall and swirled until dissolved; our calculator gives exact concentrations. Store lyophilized cool and dark; refrigerate reconstituted material at 2–8 °C, avoiding freeze-thaw cycling.

How does semaglutide compare to retatrutide?

Retatrutide is an investigational triple agonist (GIP/GLP-1/glucagon) that reached 30.3% in TRIUMPH-1, versus semaglutide's 14.9% in STEP 1. See the retatrutide guide.

References

  1. Wilding JPH, Batterham RL, Calanna S, et al. Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity. N Engl J Med. 2021;384(11):989-1002. DOI: 10.1056/NEJMoa2032183. PMID: 33567185. NEJM · PubMed
  2. Marso SP, et al. Semaglutide and Cardiovascular Outcomes (SUSTAIN-6). N Engl J Med. 2016;375:1834-1844. DOI: 10.1056/NEJMoa1607141.
  3. Semaglutide, CAS 910463-68-2 — compound record. Reference entry.
  4. ClinicalTrials.gov. STEP 1, NCT03548935. clinicaltrials.gov
Final Disclaimer — Research Use Only Semaglutide sold by ThePeptide.ca is intended for laboratory and research use only. It is not approved by Health Canada or the FDA, is not for human or animal consumption, and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. All clinical figures cited are outcomes reported in published trials, provided for scientific reference only; nothing here is medical advice. Purchasers are responsible for compliant handling and use.
Back to blog