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Peptides

GLP Receptor Agonist Research: Single, Dual and Triple Agonists

Published · Last updated · Publisher: ENOS Labs USA

What is GLP receptor agonist research?

GLP receptor agonist research studies peptides that activate the GLP-1 receptor, often combined with GIP or glucagon receptor activity. Single GLP-1 agonists and the dual agonist tirzepatide are approved drugs for specific indications. Triple agonists such as retatrutide remain investigational. Research grade material is never the approved drug product.

Three receptor targets

GLP-1 (glucagon like peptide 1) and GIP (glucose dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) are incretin hormones released from the gut after eating. Glucagon is a pancreatic hormone with opposing effects on blood glucose and additional effects on liver metabolism. Research peptides in this family are engineered to activate one, two or all three of these receptors with a long duration of action.

From single to triple agonists

Single GLP-1 receptor agonists came first, followed by dual GIP and GLP-1 agonists. The triple agonist retatrutide adds glucagon receptor activity. Its phase 2 trials in obesity and type 2 diabetes were published in 2023, a liver fat study in 2024 and phase 3 obesity results from the TRIUMPH-1 trial in 2026.

Approval status at a glance

  • Several single GLP-1 receptor agonists and the dual agonist tirzepatide are FDA approved drugs for defined indications.
  • Retatrutide is investigational and not FDA approved as of this page's last update.
  • Research grade peptides sold for laboratory use are not approved drug products, regardless of the molecule.

Analytical considerations for this family

Incretin analogs are long, often lipidated peptides with non natural residues. High resolution mass spectrometry is the practical way to confirm identity, and HPLC purity values depend heavily on the method because related impurities can sit close to the main peak.

To continue, see the research literature index, the Retatrutide compound reference, how mass spectrometry confirms identity, the compound directory, the peptide testing glossary and how to read a certificate of analysis.

References

Each source below was opened and checked against its PubMed, ClinicalTrials.gov or PubChem record. Links open in a new tab.

  1. Triple-Hormone-Receptor Agonist Retatrutide for Obesity - A Phase 2 Trial (PMID 37366315)The New England Journal of Medicine, 2023 · PubMed
  2. Retatrutide, a GIP, GLP-1 and glucagon receptor agonist, for people with type 2 diabetes: a randomised, double-blind, placebo and active-controlled, parallel-group, phase 2 trial conducted in the USA (PMID 37385280)The Lancet, 2023 · PubMed
  3. Triple hormone receptor agonist retatrutide for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease: a randomized phase 2a trial (PMID 38858523)Nature Medicine, 2024 · PubMed
  4. Retatrutide, a Triple Hormone Receptor Agonist, for Treatment of Obesity (PMID 42814954)The New England Journal of Medicine, 2026 · PubMed
  5. A Study of Retatrutide (LY3437943) in Participants Who Have Obesity or Overweight (NCT05929066)ClinicalTrials.gov · NIH National Library of Medicine
  6. Characterization of Synthetic Peptide Therapeutics Using Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry: Challenges, Solutions, Pitfalls, and Future Perspectives (PMID 34110145)Journal of the American Society for Mass Spectrometry, 2021 · PubMed
For Research Use Only

These products are sold strictly for in-vitro laboratory research and are not intended for human consumption, diagnosis, treatment, or any therapeutic use. Purchaser must be 18 years of age or older and confirms they are a qualified researcher.