Semaglutide Canada: GLP-1 Research Peptide Guide
10 Jul 2026Semaglutide 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, and domestic sourcing of Semaglutide (5 mg & 10 mg).
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 clinical evidence base. Its single-receptor GLP-1 pharmacology was characterized in STEP 1 (68 weeks) and the SUSTAIN program — the baseline dual and triple agonists are compared against.
- Independently assayed, per lot. The 10 mg lot returned 99.664% by HPLC (Janoshik ref #171488) and the 5 mg lot 99.247% (ref #101805); our Testides confirmation on both is pending.
- Transparent Canadian-dollar pricing. Current prices for the 5 mg and 10 mg vials are on their product pages, with no conversion or duties.
- Research use only. FDA-approved clinically as Ozempic/Wegovy/Rybelsus, but supplied here strictly for laboratory research — not for human consumption.
- Canadian-owned, shipped domestically with free, tracked Canada-wide shipping and no minimum order.
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 | 10 mg lot 99.664% (Janoshik ref #171488); 5 mg lot 99.247% (ref #101805). Testides confirmation pending. |
| Storage | Lyophilized (sealed): store cool and dark; -20°C long-term. |
| Developer / status | Novo Nordisk; FDA-approved as Ozempic/Wegovy/Rybelsus (research use only here) |
| Shipping origin | Ships from British Columbia, Canada |
| Price | Current pricing is on the product page for each format — 5 mg and 10 mg — with free, tracked Canada-wide shipping and no minimum order. |
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 research use only — not a formulated, approved, or prescription drug product, and not for administration to humans or animals.
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), the pharmacokinetic property behind its extended duration of action. Because clearance is slow, circulating levels build gradually toward steady state in pharmacokinetic studies. For laboratory handling, concentration accuracy matters when characterising the material; identity and purity should be confirmed against the Certificate of Analysis before a lot enters a protocol. ↑ 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 evaluating semaglutide against placebo. See the primary publication for reported endpoints.
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. 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 receptor targets, development status and the research formats stocked in Canada, each from the compound's respective clinical publication — not a head-to-head comparison.
| Compound | Receptor target(s) | Developer | Status | Formats stocked |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Semaglutide | GLP-1 (single) | Novo Nordisk | Approved (Ozempic/Wegovy) | 5 mg · 10 mg |
| Tirzepatide | GIP + GLP-1 (dual) | Eli Lilly | Approved (Mounjaro/Zepbound) | 10 mg |
| Retatrutide | GIP + GLP-1 + glucagon (triple) | Eli Lilly | Phase 3 (investigational) | 10 mg · 20 mg · 30 mg |
Expanding the receptor set from single to dual to triple is the central axis of comparison — 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, current price on the product page) — a smaller quantity for shorter reference studies, method validation, or initial assay work.
- Semaglutide 10 mg (SKU SEMA-10MG, current price on the product page) — a larger quantity with a lower cost per milligram for extended protocols.
The two formats are filled from separate lots and carry separate assay figures — the 5 mg lot at 99.247% and the 10 mg lot at 99.664% — so they are not interchangeable as a single "verified" batch. Check the figure for the size you are ordering. ↑ Back to top
Purity, COA & Third-Party Testing
The two vial sizes are separate lots with separate figures. The 10 mg lot was assayed by Janoshik Analytical at 99.664% by HPLC with 11.42 mg of measured peptide content (ref #171488); the 5 mg lot returned 99.247% with 6.05 mg (ref #101805). Both are manufacturer-commissioned results rather than certificates issued to us: both lots are with Testides in Toronto for our own confirmatory HPLC and are shown as pending on our lab results page until those certificates are released. Neither laboratory is accredited to ISO/IEC 17025. 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
Handling (Research Context)
Semaglutide is supplied as a lyophilized powder. Handling, solvent selection, and preparation of working solutions are determined by each laboratory's own validated protocols and the documentation supplied with the material. This page does not provide preparation, solution, or administration instructions. Identity and purity should be confirmed against the Certificate of Analysis before a lot enters any protocol. ↑ Back to top
Storage & Stability
Sealed, unopened lyophilized semaglutide is held at -20 °C for long-term storage and 2–8 °C for short periods, kept dark and protected from moisture, with repeated warming and freeze-thaw cycling avoided. This guide covers sealed-vial storage only and contains no dosing, administration, route, reconstitution or preparation information; none is available on request. ↑ 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. Shipping is free and tracked Canada-wide, with no minimum order.
- 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 10mg — see current price →
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does semaglutide cost in Canada?
Current pricing for both semaglutide formats is shown on their product pages — 5 mg and 10 mg — in Canadian dollars; the 10 mg format is the better value per milligram. Every order ships free and tracked across Canada with no minimum order, and volume pricing is automatic at checkout with no code — 10% off at 3 or more units, 15% at 5 or more, 20% at 10 or more, across all products with no exclusions.
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. Their pivotal trials were STEP 1 and SURMOUNT-1 respectively. 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?
The two vial sizes are separate lots with separate figures. The 10 mg lot was assayed by Janoshik Analytical at 99.664% by HPLC with 11.42 mg of measured peptide content (ref #171488); the 5 mg lot returned 99.247% with 6.05 mg (ref #101805). Both are manufacturer-commissioned results rather than certificates issued to us: both lots are with Testides in Toronto for our own confirmatory HPLC and are shown as pending on our lab results page until those certificates are released. Neither laboratory is accredited to ISO/IEC 17025.
Should I choose the 5mg or 10mg vial?
The two vials are separate lots, so their assay figures differ: the 5 mg lot returned 99.247% by HPLC (ref #101805) and the 10 mg lot 99.664% (ref #171488). The 5 mg vial suits shorter studies and method validation; the 10 mg vial offers a lower cost per milligram for extended protocols, and both show their current price on the product page. 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 semaglutide in 1,961 adults. See the primary publication for reported endpoints.
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 does semaglutide compare to retatrutide?
Retatrutide is an investigational triple agonist (GIP/GLP-1/glucagon) characterized in TRIUMPH-1; semaglutide is the single-receptor GLP-1 reference characterized in STEP 1. See the retatrutide guide.
Related Research Resources
- Semaglutide 5mg · Semaglutide 10mg (product pages & COA)
- Semaglutide vs Tirzepatide vs Retatrutide comparison
- Tirzepatide Canada guide · Retatrutide Canada guide
- Where to get research peptides tested in Canada
- How to buy research peptides in Canada
References
- 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
- Marso SP, Bain SC, Consoli A, et al. Semaglutide and Cardiovascular Outcomes in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes (SUSTAIN-6). N Engl J Med. 2016;375(19):1834-1844. DOI: 10.1056/NEJMoa1607141. PMID: 27633186.
- Semaglutide, CAS 910463-68-2 — compound record. Reference entry.
- ClinicalTrials.gov. STEP 1, NCT03548935. clinicaltrials.gov