Everything below concerns related substances. We keep the language plain, cite what the science says, and separate well-supported claims from open questions.
Updated 2025-10-11. Numbers and descriptions here follow the published literature rather than marketing material.
Large randomised trials in adults with type 2 diabetes and in adults with obesity have reported reductions in body weight and improvements in several cardiovascular risk markers. One outcome trial found a lower incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events in participants with diabetes and established cardiovascular disease. Gastrointestinal effects such as nausea and vomiting are the most frequently reported adverse events and often diminish over time. Changes in lean body mass during weight loss are an area of ongoing investigation. Effects in adolescents and in pregnancy are less well characterised, and current labelling advises against use during pregnancy.
Semaglutide is a synthetic peptide analogue of glucagon-like peptide-1, a gut hormone released after nutrient intake. The molecule contains 31 amino acid residues and differs from the native sequence at several positions. A non-natural residue at position eight resists the enzyme that normally truncates the hormone, while a lysine-linked fatty diacid side chain promotes binding to serum albumin. These two modifications extend the circulating half-life from minutes to roughly one week. The peptide is produced by solid-phase synthesis followed by selective acylation, and its identity and purity are confirmed by spectrometric and chromatographic techniques.
The primary target is the GLP-1 receptor, a class B G protein-coupled receptor expressed on pancreatic beta cells, in the gut, and in several brain regions. Receptor activation raises intracellular cyclic AMP, which potentiates glucose-dependent insulin secretion and lowers glucagon release when blood glucose is elevated. Signalling in the hypothalamus and brainstem is associated with reduced appetite and slower gastric emptying. Because the insulinotropic effect depends on prevailing glucose levels, the hypoglycaemic risk of the peptide alone is described as low in most study settings. The relative contribution of peripheral and central actions remains an active research question.
Quantification and purity assessment rely on separation methods coupled to optical or mass detection. Reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography resolves the intact peptide from related impurities and is the standard assay technique. Size-exclusion chromatography measures aggregates, while ion-exchange chromatography separates charge variants produced by deamidation. Mass spectrometry confirms identity and detects mass shifts of a few daltons. In biological matrices, liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry is often used because immunoassays can cross-react with endogenous GLP-1 or with circulating fragments.
As a peptide, semaglutide is sensitive to conditions that break amide bonds or modify side chains. Deamidation of asparagine and glutamine residues, oxidation of methionine and tryptophan, and non-covalent aggregation are the main degradation routes described in published stability work. Rate depends strongly on pH, buffer species, ionic strength, temperature and exposure to light. Formulators therefore choose a defined solution pH and often add excipients such as phosphate buffer, propylene glycol and phenol, each of which plays a separate role in pH control, tonicity or preservation.
| Property | Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Molecular class | Acylated GLP-1 receptor agonist | 31-residue synthetic peptide |
| Molecular formula | C187H291N45O59 | established for the free peptide |
| Appearance | White to off-white powder | as supplied before formulation |
| Solubility | Freely soluble in water | aqueous buffers near neutral pH |
| Typical storage | 2 to 8 degrees Celsius, protected from light | powder and solution forms differ in shelf life |
Two structural features account for the prolonged half-life of semaglutide. A modified amino acid at position 8 resists cleavage by dipeptidyl peptidase-4, the enzyme that rapidly degrades native GLP-1. A fatty diacid side chain binds serum albumin, which limits renal clearance and protects the peptide from enzymatic breakdown. These modifications yield a plasma half-life of approximately one week in humans, allowing once-weekly administration. The relationship between plasma concentration and clinical effect varies between individuals, and sources of that variability are still being characterized.
Semaglutide is a synthetic peptide analog of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), a hormone released from intestinal L-cells after food intake. The compound belongs to the incretin mimetic class and acts at GLP-1 receptors distributed across pancreatic, gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, and central nervous system tissues. Compared with native GLP-1, the molecule carries structural changes that extend its activity from minutes to roughly one week. It is studied for glycemic control in type 2 diabetes and for weight management, and its effects on cardiovascular and other outcomes remain active research areas.
Receptor binding triggers G protein signaling that raises intracellular cyclic AMP in pancreatic beta cells. Insulin release follows in a glucose-dependent manner, so secretion increases when blood glucose is elevated and diminishes when it is not. The same signaling suppresses glucagon release from alpha cells and slows gastric emptying, which blunts the post-meal glucose rise. In the brain, receptor activation in regions such as the arcuate nucleus is associated with reduced appetite and lower energy intake. How much each of these effects contributes to overall weight change is not fully settled.
Reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography is widely used to assess purity and to separate the parent peptide from related substances. Mass spectrometry confirms identity and can resolve modifications that differ by a few daltons. Size-exclusion chromatography detects dimers and higher aggregates, which are relevant to both stability and immunogenicity questions. Peptide mapping with enzymatic digestion locates specific modifications along the sequence. Circular dichroism provides a secondary-structure profile, although it gives limited information about local conformational changes.
Quality control for peptide material focuses on identity, purity, content and the profile of impurities. Common degradants include deamidated and oxidised forms, plus aggregates formed during storage or handling. Forced degradation studies under heat, light, acid and peroxide help define which conditions accelerate change and which analytical methods detect it. Limits for individual impurities are set by pharmacopoeial monographs or manufacturer specifications. How much a given impurity affects biological activity is often uncertain, and conclusions may depend on the assay used.
Solid peptide material is generally kept at reduced temperature to limit degradation. Short-term storage at 2 to 8 degrees Celsius is common, while longer archival storage at minus 20 degrees Celsius or below is typical for lyophilised powder. Vials should remain sealed and protected from light, because ultraviolet exposure can oxidise susceptible residues. Repeated freeze-thaw cycles are avoided, as they promote aggregation and loss of soluble material. Solutions are less stable than solids and are usually prepared close to the time of use.
=== Discontinued === Alniditan (R-91274) – serotonin 5-HT1B and 5-HT1D receptor agonist – migraine [72] Avitriptan (BMS-180048) – serotonin 5-HT1B and 5-HT1D receptor agonist and triptan – migraine [73] Bezisterim (HE-3286; NE-3107; Triolex; 17α-ethynyl-5-androstene-3β,7β,17β-triol) – undefined mechanism of action (synthetic androstenetriol analogue and anti-inflammatory) – migraine [74] BI-44370 (BI44370) – calcitonin gene-related peptide receptor (CGRPR) antagonist – migraine [75] Botulinum toxin A topical (RT-001) – acetylcholine release inhibitor and neuromuscular blocking agent – migraine [76] Carisbamate (Comfyde; JNJ-10234094; RWJ-333369; YKP-509) – unknown mechanism of action – migraine [77] Dasolampanel (NGX-426) – ionotropic glutamate AMPA and kainate receptor antagonist – migraine [78] Dextromethorphan/quinidine (DXM/Q; AVP-923; Neurodex; Nuedexta; Zenvia) – combination of dextromethorphan (various actions) and quinidine (various actions) – migraine [79] Dihydroergocryptine (SRN-001) – non-selective monoamine receptor modulator and ergoline – migraine [80] Donitriptan (F-11356) – serotonin 5-HT1B and 5-HT1D receptor agonist and triptan – migraine [81] Dotarizine (Dotaricin; FI-6026) – calcium channel blocker and serotonin 5-HT1A, 5-HT2A, and 5-HT2C receptor antagonist – migraine [82] Dronabinol (Δ9-THC; Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol; Deltanyne; Elevat; Marinol) – cannabinoid CB1 and CB2 receptor agonist – migraine [83] Ergotamine inhalation (Tempo-ergotamine) – non-selective monoamine receptor modulator and ergoline – migraine [84] Esprolol ((S)-ACC-9369) – beta blocker (β-adrenergic receptor antagonist) (amoxolol prodrug) – migraine [85] Ethinylestradiol/levonorgestrel (DP3; DR-103; DR-105; LoSeasonique; Seasonique) – combination of ethinylestradiol (an estrogen) and levonorgestrel (a progestogen) and a combined oral contraceptive – menstrual migraine [86] (S)-Ethylisothiouronium diethylphosphate (Difetur; MTR-104; MTR-105; MTR-106; MTR-107; MTR-108; Raviclust; Ravimig; Raviten) – nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor [87] Fremanezumab (Ajovy; LBR-101; PF-04427429; PF-4427429; RN-307; TEV-48125) – monoclonal antibody against calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) – cluster headache, headache [88] Gabapentin (CI-945; Gabapen; GOE-3450; Neurontin) – gabapentinoid (α2δ subunit-containing voltage-gated calcium channel ligand) – migraine [89] Gabapentin enacarbil (1838262; ASP8825; GSK-1838262; Horizant; Regnite; Solzira; XP13512) – gabapentinoid (α2δ subunit-containing voltage-gated calcium channel ligand) – migraine [90] Ganaxolone (CCD-1042; Ztalmy) – GABAA receptor positive allosteric modulator and neurosteroid – migraine [91] HTL-0022562 (BHV-3100; HTL-22562) – calcitonin gene-related peptide receptor (CGRPR) antagonist – migraine [92] IS-159 – serotonin 5-HT1B and 5-HT1D receptor agonist – migraine [93] Lacosamide (ADD-234037; Erlosamide; Harkoseride; SPM-927; SPM-929; Vimpat; Vimpato) – various actions – migraine [94] Lanepitant (LY-303870) – neurokinin NK1 receptor antagonist – migraine [95] Lidocaine transdermal patch (ADL-87223; LidoPAIN) – sodium channel blocker – headache [96] Lornoxicam (Bosporon; Chlortenoxicam; HN-10000; RO-139297; Safem; TS-110; Xefo) – COX inhibitor/NSAID – migraine [97] LY-2300559 – metabotropic glutamate receptor 2 (mGluR2) positive allosteric modulator and cysteinyl leukotriene receptor 1 (CysLTR1) antagonist – migraine [98] LY-334370 – serotonin 5-HT1F receptor agonist and triptan – migraine [99] MEDI-0618 – monoclonal antibody against protease-activated receptor 2 (PAR2) – migraine [100] Olcegepant (BIBN-4096; BIBN-4096BS) – calcitonin gene-related peptide receptor (CGRPR) antagonist – migraine [101] Oxytocin (TI-001; TI-114; TNX-1900; TNX-2900) – oxytocin receptor agonist – migraine [102] Perampanel (E-2007; ER-155055-90; Fycompa) – AMPA receptor antagonist – migraine [103] PF-5180999 (PF-05180999) – phosphodiesterase PDE2 inhibitor – migraine [104] PNU-142633 (PNU-142633F) – serotonin 5-HT1D receptor agonist – cluster headache, headache, migraine [105] Prochlorperazine inhalation (AZ-001) – typical antipsychotic (non-selective monoamine receptor modulator) – migraine [106] Propisergide (ergalgin) – serotonin receptor modulator and ergoline – migraine Propofol phosphate (Neuprox; propofol prodrug) – GABAA receptor positive allosteric modulator (propofol prodrug) – migraine [107] Research programme: migraine therapy - Orexo (OX-40; OX641) – undefined mechanism of action – migraine [108] Selurampanel (BGG-492; BGG-492A) – ionotropic glutamate AMPA and kainate receptor antagonist – migraine [109] Sergolexole (LY-281067) – serotonin 5-HT2 receptor antagonist and ergoline – migraine [110] Telcagepant (MK-0974) – calcitonin gene-related peptide receptor (CGRPR) antagonist – migraine [111] Tezampanel (LY-293558; NGX-424; PRN-001-01) – ionotropic glutamate AMPA and kainate receptor antagonist – migraine [112] Tizanidine (AN-021A; AN-021; DS-103282; Sirdalud; Ternelin; Zanaflex) – α2-adrenergic receptor agonist – migraine [113] Tonabersat (SB-220453; USL-260; Xiflam) – connexin 43 (GJA1) inhibitor – migraine [114] Zolmitriptan inhalation (CVT-427) – serotonin 5-HT1B and 5-HT1D receptor agonist and triptan – migraine [115] Zonisamide (AD-810; CI-912; Excegran; Kinaplase; PD-110843; Tremode; Trerief; Zonegran) – calcium channel blocker, sodium channel blocker, and other actions – migraine [116]
The Dutch Moluccan community repeatedly petitioned the Dutch government to uphold its commitment to supporting their claim for an independent Republic of South Maluku, as previously promised. Their struggle for independence began to gain traction in the 1970s, when demonstrations and violence propelled them into the public eye. Finally, after still being ignored and denied a hearing by the government, a number of hostage-takings were committed by the Free South Moluccan Youths as a means to gain attention on the matter. These included the Wijster train hijacking and Indonesian consulate hostage crisis in 1975, the De Punt train hijacking and Bovensmilde school hostage crisis in 1977, and the Assen province hall hostage crisis in 1978, which, in total, resulted in the death of seven civilians and seven hostage-takers.
March 19: Law facilitating donations to public or private charitable organizations, particularly those focused on increasing birth rates and protecting children and war orphans. April 23: Decree implementing the law of April 23, 1919, establishing an eight-hour workday in hotels, restaurants, cafés, and other food service establishments in the Paris region. May 9: Decree modifying the statutes of the Comédie-Française: both principal and substitute members must include at least one woman in each group. June 1: Circular regulating prostitution among women. July 25: Decree on the regulation of films; women may sit on the commission that grants film distribution visas. August 9: Competitive exams for editorial and translator-editor positions in the central administration of commerce and industry are opened to women for a provisional period of three years. August 27: Competitive exams for editorial and calculation clerk positions in the central administration of the Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare are opened to female candidates. October 24: Law protecting breastfeeding women: needy mothers breastfeeding their infants receive special allowances during the first year. October 25: Law creating and organizing chambers of agriculture in each French department; women with agricultural professions (or who had such work during the war) may vote and be elected. 1920
In April 2023, President Lula visited the UAE where he met with sheikh and Emirati president Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. During the visit, Emirati state-owned Mubadala Investment Company announced a deal to invest up to $2.5 billion in biofuels in a refinery in Brazil. The countries signed a series of agreements including one aimed at mutual cooperation against climate change and another on artificial intelligence. Lula also meet with the organizers of the COP28 which will take place in Abu Dhabi in late 2023.
== History == There were two clinical trials that evaluated the benefits and side effects of bempedoic acid. The trial designs were similar. All enrolled subjects were on a lipid-lowering diet and taking the highest dose of a statin (drug commonly used to lower cholesterol) for high cholesterol. In both trials, subjects were randomly assigned to receive bempedoic acid or placebo tablets every day for 52-weeks. Neither the subjects nor the health care providers knew which treatment was being given. The trials measured percent change in LDL cholesterol (LDL-C) blood levels from baseline to week twelve and compared bempedoic acid to placebo. In one clinical trial, bempedoic acid reduced LDL-C by about 20 mg/dl compared to placebo and had a similar frequency of side effects to placebo, although a higher percentage of drug-receiving subjects dropped out of the study because of side effects (11% vs. 7% under placebo). In one randomized controlled trial, patients who could not tolerate therapy with statins had a reduced risk of major adverse cardiovascular events after being treated with bempedoic acid. In January 2020, the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use in the European Union recommended granting of a marketing authorization for bempedoic acid as both a standalone drug (brand name Nilemdo) and as a fixed-dose combination medication with ezetimibe (brand name Nustendi). Bempedoic acid was approved for use in the European Union in April 2020, and the combination bempedoic acid/ezetimibe was approved in March 2020.
Sources: en.wikipedia.org
Uranium was also used in photographic chemicals (especially uranium nitrate as a toner), in lamp filaments for stage lighting bulbs, to improve the appearance of dentures, and in the leather and wood industries for stains and dyes. Uranium salts are mordants of silk or wool. Uranyl acetate and uranyl formate are used as electron-dense "stains" in transmission electron microscopy, to increase the contrast of biological specimens in ultrathin sections and in negative staining of viruses, isolated cell organelles and macromolecules. The discovery of the radioactivity of uranium ushered in additional scientific and practical uses of the element. The long half-life of uranium-238 (4.47×109 years) makes it well-suited for use in estimating the age of the earliest igneous rocks and for other types of radiometric dating, including uranium–thorium dating, uranium–lead dating and uranium–uranium dating. Uranium metal is used for X-ray targets in the making of high-energy X-rays.
=== DNA and gene synthesis === Driven by dramatic decreases in costs of oligonucleotide ("oligos") synthesis and the advent of PCR, the sizes of DNA constructions from oligos have increased to the genomic level. In 2000, researchers reported synthesis of the 9.6 kbp (kilo bp) Hepatitis C virus genome from chemically synthesized 60 to 80-mers. In 2002, researchers at Stony Brook University succeeded in synthesizing the 7741 bp poliovirus genome from its published sequence, producing the second synthetic genome, spanning two years. In 2003, the 5386 bp genome of the bacteriophage Phi X 174 was assembled in about two weeks. In 2006, the same team, at the J. Craig Venter Institute, constructed and patented a synthetic genome of a novel minimal bacterium, Mycoplasma laboratorium and were working on getting it functioning in a living cell. In 2007, it was reported that several companies were offering synthesis of genetic sequences up to 2000 base pairs (bp) long, for a price of about $1 per bp and a turnaround time of less than two weeks. Oligonucleotides harvested from a photolithographic- or inkjet-manufactured DNA chip combined with PCR and DNA mismatch error-correction allows inexpensive large-scale changes of codons in genetic systems to improve gene expression or incorporate novel amino-acids (see George M. Church's and Anthony Forster's synthetic cell projects.). This favors a synthesis-from-scratch approach. Additionally, the CRISPR/Cas system has emerged as a promising technique for gene editing.
== External links == Syria at Human Rights Watch Syria Charter of Rights and Freedoms Is a proposed modern system of human rights for adoption prior to a new Syrian constitution. 2010 Human Rights Report: Syria, U.S. Department of State, 8 April 2011 "Syria rights activist jailed for five years". Middle East Online. April 24, 2007. Archived from the original on September 28, 2007. Retrieved April 26, 2007. Uprising against the Assad Regime in Syria: Is This a Second Libya? June 2011, Qantara.de Worrall, James; Hightower, Victoria Penziner (2021). "Methods in the madness? Exploring the logics of torture in Syrian counterinsurgency practices". British Journal of Middle Eastern Studies. 49 (3): 418–432. doi:10.1080/13530194.2021.1916154. S2CID 234872905.
=== Surgery === Aggressive wound debridement should be performed as soon as the diagnosis is made. The affected area may need to be debrided several times, usually once every 12–36 hours. Large sections of tissue and muscle may need to be removed to prevent the infection from spreading. Amputation may be needed if the infection is too severe. En bloc debridement (EBd) is most commonly employed in treating NSTIs. This involves cutting away the skin overlying all diseased areas at the cost of increased scar formation and potential decreased quality of life post-operatively. More recently, skin-sparing debridement (SSd) has gained traction, as it resects the underlying tissue and sources of infection while preserving skin that is not overtly necrotic. However, more studies are needed to examine whether SSd actually accelerates the healing process after surgery.
A 2022 study concluded that the practice of rinsing uncooked chicken actually increases the risk of pathogen transfer through the splashing of water droplets, with factors such as faucet height, flow type, and surface stiffness affecting the risk of cross-contamination. The most common bacterial foodborne pathogens are:
Sources: en.wikipedia.org
Native GLP-1 is degraded within minutes by dipeptidyl peptidase-4 and neutral endopeptidases. Semaglutide carries a non-natural amino acid at position eight that blocks that cleavage, and a fatty diacid side chain that binds albumin. The result is a much longer duration of action than the native hormone.
The fatty diacid chain associates strongly with serum albumin, which keeps the peptide in circulation and shields it from rapid renal clearance. Bound peptide is released gradually, producing a sustained receptor signal. This mechanism also reduces the peak-to-trough variation seen with shorter-acting analogues.
The balance between peripheral receptor activation and signalling in the central nervous system is not fully resolved. The extent to which slowed gastric emptying accounts for reduced energy intake, compared with direct effects on appetite circuits, is debated. Long-term effects on lean mass and on tissues outside the gut and brain are still under study.
Ice formation concentrates solutes and can mechanically stress the peptide or damage the delivery device. Thawing afterwards may leave aggregates that are not visible to the eye. Refrigeration keeps the solution above its freezing point while slowing chemical degradation.