Semaglutide vs Setmelanotide
A detailed comparison to help you understand the differences and choose the right peptide for your research goals.
Semaglutide
Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist that has revolutionized weight management and diabetes treatment. FDA-approved as Ozempic (diabetes), Wegovy (weight loss), and Rybelsus (oral form), it has become one of the most prescribed peptides worldwide.
Full details →Setmelanotide
Setmelanotide (Imcivree) is an FDA-approved MC4R agonist for chronic weight management in patients with obesity due to specific genetic conditions (POMC, PCSK1, or LEPR deficiency).
Full details →Side-by-Side Comparison
| Aspect | Semaglutide | Setmelanotide |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanism | Mimics glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) to stimulate insulin secretion, suppress glucagon release, slow gastric emptying, and reduce appetite through hypothalamic signaling. The result is significant reduction in food intake and improved glycemic control. | Selective agonist of melanocortin 4 receptors (MC4R) in the hypothalamus, restoring the satiety signaling pathway that is disrupted in certain genetic obesity syndromes. |
| Typical Dosage | Wegovy (weight loss): Start at 0.25mg weekly, titrate up to 2.4mg weekly over 16-20 weeks. Ozempic (diabetes): 0.25mg to 1mg weekly. Research protocols vary. | Adults: Start 2mg daily, titrate based on tolerability up to 3mg daily. Pediatrics (6+): Weight-based dosing starting at 1mg daily. |
| Administration | Subcutaneous injection once weekly, typically in abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. Rybelsus is taken orally on empty stomach. Dose titration is essential to minimize GI side effects. | Subcutaneous injection once daily. Requires genetic testing to confirm eligible mutations before prescribing. |
| Side Effects | Common: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain. These typically decrease over time. May cause injection site reactions. | Injection site reactions, skin hyperpigmentation, spontaneous penile erections, depression, and suicidal ideation (boxed warning). GI effects less common than GLP-1s. |
| Best For |
What They Have in Common
Both Semaglutide and Setmelanotide are commonly used for: