A long-acting GLP-1 receptor agonist used for type 2 diabetes and chronic weight management.
Key takeaway
Semaglutide is a modified version of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), a gut hormone that helps regulate insulin release, appetite, and stomach emptying. A fatty-acid side chain lets it circulate for about a week.
At a glance
| FDA status | In an FDA-approved drug |
|---|---|
| 503A compounding | Eligible for 503A compounding (component of an approved drug) |
| Body areas | Metabolism & weight, Gut |
| Through ScriptMates | Prescribable by licensed providers |
| Open questions | 1 noted below |
What is semaglutide?
Semaglutide is a modified version of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), a gut hormone that helps regulate insulin release, appetite, and stomach emptying. A fatty-acid side chain lets it circulate for about a week.
It is the active ingredient in FDA-approved products for type 2 diabetes and for chronic weight management. Partner pharmacies list compounded versions, often combined with a vitamin such as B12, B6, or glycine.
Dosage forms
FDA-approved products include solution for subcutaneous injection and oral tablets. These labeled forms do not make compounded preparations FDA-approved.
Is semaglutide FDA-approved?
Active ingredient of FDA-approved Wegovy (weight management) and Ozempic and Rybelsus (type 2 diabetes). Compounded semaglutide is not itself FDA-approved.
Can it be prescribed through ScriptMates?
Eligible for 503A compounding (component of an approved drug). A 503A partner pharmacy lists this peptide, and it has a lawful 503A compounding pathway.
What we could not confirm
- Because approved semaglutide is no longer in shortage, section 503A limits compounding drugs that are essentially copies of it. Whether a given formulation qualifies is a prescriber and pharmacy determination.
Sources
- Drugs@FDA: Wegovy (semaglutide)
- Drugs@FDA: Ozempic (semaglutide)
- FDA: Concerns with unapproved GLP-1 drugs used for weight loss
Checked October 27, 2026. FDA updates these pages, so confirm before relying on them.