GLP-1, GIP & glucagon research

Different molecules, different questions

Semaglutide, tirzepatide and retatrutide are distinct molecules. Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist; tirzepatide has activity at GIP and GLP-1 receptors; retatrutide has been investigated at GIP, GLP-1 and glucagon receptors. Glucagon is not an incretin.

The number of targets is not an effectiveness ranking. Assay systems, exposure, formulation and study population affect what a result means.

Explore the individual profiles

• Semaglutide: molecular-development studies and clinical-formulation evidence.
• Tirzepatide: receptor assays, animal research and clinical trials.
• Retatrutide: development research and the 2023 phase 2 publication.

Each profile links to primary publications and explains its limits. A publication about a clinical formulation does not establish equivalence to a research vial.

Comparisons need matched conditions

Do not compare results across unrelated studies as though they were a head-to-head experiment. For supply decisions, compare the selected size, pack price and applicable documentation separately from biological findings. Compare catalogue specifications.

Primary references

• Lau et al. (2015), discovery of semaglutide.
• Coskun et al. (2018), discovery and early study of tirzepatide.
• Coskun et al. (2022), development of retatrutide.