Semaglutide
Dosage Protocol
Semaglutide is a long-acting GLP-1 receptor agonist with a 168-hour half-life, making it suitable for once-weekly research dosing. It is studied for appetite regulation, glucose homeostasis, and metabolic health — and is the active compound in Ozempic and Wegovy (pharmaceutical formulations not referenced here).
What is Semaglutide?
GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) is an incretin hormone released from intestinal L-cells in response to food intake. Semaglutide mimics this hormone with a much longer half-life, achieved by structural modification and albumin binding. It activates GLP-1 receptors in the pancreas, gut, liver, and brain — reducing appetite, slowing gastric emptying, and improving insulin sensitivity.
Research interest in semaglutide focuses on metabolic regulation, weight management mechanisms, and emerging neuroprotective and cardiovascular applications. Its long half-life allows once-weekly administration, and dose titration over several months is standard in research protocols to minimise GI side effects.
Dosing Schedule
Parameters documented in published preclinical and clinical research.
| Phase | Dose | Frequency | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Start weeks 1–4 | 0.25 mg | Once weekly | 4 weeks | Initial phase. GI effects documented in published trials at this dose range. Standard research protocols begin conservatively. |
| Increase | 0.5 mg | Once weekly | Weeks 5–8 | Standard dose used in many published research protocols. |
| Increase | 1.0 mg | Once weekly | Weeks 9–16 | Advance if research protocol requires higher dose range. |
| High dose | 1.7–2.4 mg | Once weekly | Week 17+ | Highest doses used in published weight management studies. Exercise cautionously. |