Semaglutide vs Teriparatide
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 →Teriparatide
Teriparatide (Forteo) is recombinant human parathyroid hormone (1-34), FDA-approved for osteoporosis treatment. It's unique among osteoporosis drugs in that it stimulates new bone formation.
Full details →Side-by-Side Comparison
| Aspect | Semaglutide | Teriparatide |
|---|---|---|
| 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. | Intermittent PTH exposure paradoxically stimulates osteoblasts more than osteoclasts, resulting in net bone formation. Continuous exposure would cause bone loss, but pulsatile dosing builds bone. |
| 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. | 20mcg subcutaneously once daily. Maximum treatment duration of 2 years due to theoretical osteosarcoma risk from rat studies. |
| 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 in thigh or abdomen once daily. Delivered via multi-dose pen. Should sit or lie down after injection due to orthostatic hypotension risk. |
| Side Effects | Common: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain. These typically decrease over time. May cause injection site reactions. | Orthostatic hypotension, leg cramps, nausea, dizziness, headache, and injection site reactions. Transient hypercalcemia possible. |
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