GLP-1 receptor agonist

Semaglutide in Canada

Also known as NN9535 · Ozempic (brand, injectable) · Wegovy (brand, injectable) · Rybelsus (brand, oral) · GLP-1 analogue semaglutide

Semaglutide is a long-acting analogue of the gut hormone GLP-1, engineered to survive in circulation for about a week instead of a few minutes. It is the most clinically characterised peptide in this catalogue: the same molecule is approved by Health Canada as the prescription medicines Ozempic, Wegovy and Rybelsus, with tens of thousands of trial participants behind it. Canada Peptides carries research-grade semaglutide as a 5 mg lyophilised vial, priced and shipped in CAD for laboratory and research use only. It is not the approved drug and carries no DIN.

Quick facts

Class: Acylated GLP-1(7-37) analogue (incretin mimetic)
Structure: 31 amino acids · Aib8, Arg34, Lys26 acylated with a C18 diacid via a γGlu-2×OEG linker · ~4,114 Da
Half-life: Approximately 165 hours (about 7 days) after subcutaneous injection
Route in research: Subcutaneous once weekly (Ozempic, Wegovy); oral once daily (Rybelsus)
Cadence in research: Once weekly, escalated every 4 weeks in the approved regimen and in trials
Storage: Lyophilised: refrigerated, dark. Reconstituted: refrigerated, used within about 30 days
Status in Canada: Approved as a prescription drug (Ozempic, Wegovy, Rybelsus; generics from 2026). Research-grade material has no DIN — research use only

Semaglutide FAQ

Is semaglutide for sale in Canada?

Yes. Research-grade semaglutide is available in Canada from Canada Peptides as a 5 mg lyophilised vial, priced and shipped in CAD. It is supplied strictly for laboratory and research use, not for human consumption. Semaglutide as a medicine (Ozempic, Wegovy, Rybelsus and the 2026 generics) is available only by prescription through a pharmacy.

Is semaglutide the same as Ozempic or Wegovy?

As a molecule, yes: Ozempic, Wegovy and Rybelsus are brand names under which semaglutide is marketed as a prescription medicine. As a product, no: research-grade semaglutide has no DIN, no product monograph and no regulatory review, and is supplied for laboratory research only.

What is semaglutide?

Semaglutide is a 31-amino-acid analogue of the gut hormone GLP-1, modified at two positions and fitted with a fatty-acid side chain so that it survives about a week in circulation. It activates the GLP-1 receptor, which increases glucose-dependent insulin secretion, slows gastric emptying and reduces appetite.

What is the half-life of semaglutide?

Approximately 165 hours, or about seven days, after subcutaneous injection. Peak levels occur one to three days after a dose and steady state is reached after four to five weekly doses, which is the basis for once-weekly administration.

How was semaglutide dosed in studies?

Trials and the approved labels start at 0.25 mg once weekly and escalate every four weeks — to 1 or 2 mg in the diabetes programs and to 2.4 mg in the STEP weight-management program. That regimen belongs to the finished pharmaceutical; this page does not recommend any dose for the research-grade material, which is not for human use.

What side effects does semaglutide research report?

Mostly gastrointestinal — nausea, diarrhoea, vomiting and constipation — concentrated during dose escalation. Gallbladder events were more frequent than placebo. Rodent studies showed thyroid C-cell tumours, so the label contraindicates use in people with a history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or MEN 2, and in 2025 the EMA classed a rare optic neuropathy as a very rare side effect.

Is semaglutide legal in Canada?

Yes, in both of its forms, but under different rules. Approved semaglutide is a prescription drug dispensed by pharmacies. Research-grade semaglutide has no marketing authorisation and may be sold for laboratory research only; it cannot be supplied or represented as a treatment. It is not a controlled substance and is not on the WADA Prohibited List.

Semaglutide vs tirzepatide vs retatrutide — what is the difference?

Receptor coverage. Semaglutide is a single GLP-1 receptor agonist; tirzepatide adds the GIP receptor; retatrutide adds GIP and glucagon receptors. Semaglutide has the deepest human evidence and the longest post-marketing record; retatrutide is still investigational.

Semaglutide in Canada

Quick facts

Semaglutide — for sale in Canada

What is Semaglutide?

Evidence at a glance

Pharmacology

Identity and chemistry

Storage and stability

Research indications

Research protocols

Interactions and stacking in research

Reconstitution and handling

Side effects and safety signals

Regulatory status in Canada

Further reading

Semaglutide FAQ

Research references