GLP-1 research peptides are among the most active areas of metabolic research today. The category has grown quickly, and the names — Semaglutide, Tirzepatide, Retatrutide, Cagrilintide — can be confusing. This guide explains how they relate to one another at a research level.
What “GLP-1” means
GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) is an incretin hormone involved in glucose regulation and appetite signalling. GLP-1 receptor agonists are peptides that activate this pathway, and they are studied in laboratory models of glucose metabolism, appetite signalling and energy balance. Newer compounds add activity at additional receptors — GIP and glucagon — giving rise to the “dual” and “triple” agonists.
The main compounds
- Semaglutide — a long-acting GLP-1 receptor agonist and one of the most extensively characterised compounds in the class.
- Tirzepatide — a dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist.
- Retatrutide — a triple GLP-1, GIP and glucagon receptor agonist studied for multi-receptor signalling.
- Cagrilintide — a long-acting amylin analogue, studied in satiety-signalling research and often paired with a GLP-1 analogue.
- Mazdutide and Survodutide — dual GLP-1/glucagon receptor agonists studied in energy-expenditure research.
Research combinations
Because amylin and incretin pathways are distinct, some research explores them together. This is reflected in fixed combinations such as CagriSema (cagrilintide + semaglutide) and Reta-Cagri (retatrutide + cagrilintide).
Vials and pens
GLP-1 research peptides are supplied as lyophilised vials and, for several lines, as pre-filled research pens. The pen format supports consistent, measured handling in the laboratory; you can see the pen options in the Weight Loss Pens category. New to reconstituting vials? See our laboratory reconstitution guide.
Choosing a supplier
In a fast-moving category, verified material matters more than ever. Every GLP-1 compound at GenoPept is HPLC- and MS-verified to ≥ 99% purity with a batch Certificate of Analysis. Explore the full range in the GLP-1 Research Peptides category.
Related guides
Research use only. This guide is informational and intended for qualified researchers. GenoPept products are supplied strictly for in-vitro laboratory and scientific research and are not for human or veterinary use.