Semaglutide, Tirzepatide and Retatrutide are three of the most studied compounds in the GLP-1 research space, and they are often compared. While they share a metabolic research focus, they act on different combinations of receptors — a distinction at the heart of how they are studied.
The receptor difference
The simplest way to understand these compounds is by the receptors they target:
- Semaglutide — a single agonist: it activates the GLP-1 receptor only.
- Tirzepatide — a dual agonist: GLP-1 and GIP receptors.
- Retatrutide — a triple agonist: GLP-1, GIP and glucagon receptors.
What this means in research
GLP-1 and GIP are incretin hormones involved in glucose regulation and appetite signalling; glucagon is involved in energy expenditure and glucose output. By engaging more receptors, dual and triple agonists are studied for broader effects on metabolic pathways in laboratory models. Semaglutide is the most extensively characterised and is often used as a reference; Tirzepatide and Retatrutide represent the newer multi-receptor frontier.
At a glance
| Compound | Receptors | Class |
|---|---|---|
| Semaglutide | GLP-1 | Single agonist |
| Tirzepatide | GLP-1 + GIP | Dual agonist |
| Retatrutide | GLP-1 + GIP + glucagon | Triple agonist |
Format and quality
All three are available as lyophilised vials and, for selected lines, pre-filled research pens. Whichever you study, verified material matters: every GenoPept GLP-1 compound is HPLC- and MS-verified to ≥ 99% purity with a batch COA. Explore the full range in the GLP-1 Research Peptides category, and see our broader guide to GLP-1 research peptides.
Related guides
Research use only. This comparison is informational, for qualified researchers. GenoPept products are supplied strictly for in-vitro laboratory and scientific research and are not for human or veterinary use.