GLP-1 Research Peptides Explained
The metabolic-research cluster everyone's searching for: how semaglutide, tirzepatide, and retatrutide differ at the receptor level.
GLP-1 receptor agonists are the most-searched cluster in metabolic peptide research. Semaglutide, tirzepatide, and retatrutide are studied in appetite-regulation, energy-expenditure, and insulin-signaling models — but they differ in which receptors they target. Here's the breakdown. For in-vitro laboratory research only.
Semaglutide — single agonist (GLP-1)
Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist. In research it's studied for its effects on the GLP-1 pathway, which is involved in appetite signaling and glucose-dependent insulin regulation. See the semaglutide research kit.
Tirzepatide — dual agonist (GIP + GLP-1)
Tirzepatide activates two receptors: GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) in addition to GLP-1. The dual-agonist design is a major focus of current metabolic research. See the tirzepatide research kit.
Retatrutide — triple agonist (GIP + GLP-1 + glucagon)
Retatrutide (LY3437943) targets three receptors — adding glucagon-receptor activity to the GIP/GLP-1 pair. It's the newest and most-discussed compound in the cluster. See the retatrutide research kit.
Cagrilintide combinations
Cagrilintide, an amylin analog, is studied in combination with semaglutide (the cagrilintide + semaglutide blend) for complementary metabolic-pathway research.
Quick comparison
- Semaglutide — GLP-1 only (single agonist)
- Tirzepatide — GIP + GLP-1 (dual agonist)
- Retatrutide — GIP + GLP-1 + glucagon (triple agonist)
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between semaglutide and tirzepatide?
Semaglutide is a single GLP-1 receptor agonist; tirzepatide is a dual agonist that also activates the GIP receptor. See our full semaglutide vs tirzepatide comparison.
What is retatrutide?
Retatrutide (LY3437943) is a triple receptor agonist targeting GIP, GLP-1, and glucagon receptors — the newest compound in the GLP-1 research cluster.
Are these GLP-1 compounds sold for research only?
Yes. All are supplied as research-use-only reference standards for in-vitro laboratory study, supplied lyophilized in multi-vial research kits.