What is Semaglutide?
Semaglutide is a synthetic 31-amino-acid peptide that functions as a selective agonist at the glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor. It is structurally characterised by an α-aminoisobutyric acid (Aib) substitution at position 2 — which protects the peptide from dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) degradation — and a C18 fatty diacid linker attached to Lys26, which provides extended half-life through reversible albumin binding.
Semaglutide is the most extensively studied selective GLP-1 receptor agonist in metabolic research of the past decade. Its slow onset and extended half-life make it a valuable research tool for studying chronic GLP-1 signalling, β-cell function, gastric emptying, and central nervous system appetite regulation in preclinical models.
ClaraScience supplies semaglutide as a lyophilised powder in 10mg vials. Each batch is independently HPLC-tested to ≥99.0% purity (99.20% verified this batch) at a WHO/GMP-certified laboratory, with a full COA including HPLC chromatogram and mass spectrometry confirmation included with every order. All products are supplied for laboratory research use only.
Mechanism. Selective GLP-1 receptor agonist — the reference compound for single-receptor GLP-1 metabolic research.
Structure. 31 amino acids · Aib² stabilisation · C18 fatty diacid linker on Lys²⁶ for albumin binding (≈1-week half-life).
Clinical context. Extensively studied in SUSTAIN (T2DM) and STEP (obesity) Phase III trial programmes.
Research Background
Semaglutide is one of the most studied metabolic peptides of the past decade. The SUSTAIN Phase III programme enrolled tens of thousands of participants across 10+ global trials investigating glycaemic control in type 2 diabetes. The landmark SUSTAIN-6 cardiovascular outcomes trial demonstrated significant cardiovascular benefit in addition to glycaemic effects.
The STEP programme investigated semaglutide in participants with obesity without diabetes. STEP-1 (Wilding JPH et al., NEJM 2021) reported mean weight reduction of 14.9% at the 2.4mg dose over 68 weeks — a landmark result that established GLP-1 agonism as a viable target for chronic weight regulation research.
Preclinical research continues to investigate semaglutide's mechanisms in cell culture and animal models, exploring β-cell preservation, gastric emptying dynamics, central appetite regulation pathways, and emerging applications in NAFLD, Alzheimer's, and cardiovascular research.
ClaraScience also stocks Tirzepatide (dual GIP/GLP-1 agonist) and Retatrutide (triple GLP-1/GIP/glucagon agonist) for comparative incretin-receptor research.
Key citation Wilding JPH et al. "Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity." N Engl J Med. 2021;384(11):989–1002.
Compound Specifications
| Common Name |
Semaglutide |
| Structure |
31 amino acids · Aib² · Lys²⁶ C18 fatty diacid linker |
| Molecular Weight |
4113.58 g/mol |
| Receptor Targets |
GLP-1 receptor (selective agonist) |
| Purity (HPLC) |
≥99.0% (99.20% verified this batch) |
| Vial Size |
10mg lyophilised powder |
| Storage |
2–8°C (short-term) · −20°C (long-term) |
| Primary Reference |
Wilding JPH et al., N Engl J Med 2021;384:989–1002 |
Storage & Handling
Semaglutide is supplied as a lyophilised powder in sealed vials. ClaraScience ships all orders in plain, discreet packaging from our Australian warehouse.
- Unopened vial: 2–8°C for regular use; −20°C for longer-term storage.
- After reconstitution: Store at 2–8°C and use within 28 days. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
- Reconstitution solvent: Sterile bacteriostatic water. Use our free reconstitution calculator for the exact volume.
Full protocols in our Storage & Handling Guide.
Ordering & Pricing — Australia
| Quantity |
Price per vial |
Saving |
| 1–4 vials |
$89.95 AUD |
— |
| 5–9 vials |
$79.95 AUD |
Save 8% |
| 10+ vials |
$69.95 AUD |
Save 15% |
Free priority tracked shipping on orders over $250 AUD. Dispatched within 24 hours. For bulk orders, see our wholesale enquiry page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is semaglutide?
Semaglutide is a synthetic 31-amino-acid selective GLP-1 receptor agonist with Aib² stabilisation and a C18 fatty diacid linker on Lys26 for extended half-life. It is extensively studied in preclinical and clinical metabolic research. All ClaraScience products are for laboratory research use only.
Is semaglutide the same as Ozempic or Wegovy?
Ozempic and Wegovy are pharmaceutical trade names for approved semaglutide products (for type 2 diabetes and obesity respectively). ClaraScience supplies research-grade semaglutide peptide for laboratory use only. Our products are not pharmaceutical medications and are not for human consumption.
What is the difference between semaglutide and tirzepatide?
Tirzepatide is a dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist, whereas semaglutide is a selective GLP-1 agonist. Tirzepatide's additional GIP receptor activity contributes distinct insulinotropic and metabolic effects in preclinical research models.
Is semaglutide available in Australia for research?
ClaraScience supplies research-grade semaglutide from an Australian warehouse. Products are for laboratory research use only and have not been evaluated by the TGA for therapeutic purposes in this context.
What purity is your semaglutide?
≥99.0% HPLC-verified at a WHO/GMP-certified third-party laboratory (99.20% this batch). Full COA with HPLC chromatogram and mass spectrometry confirmation included with every batch.
