Incretin research peptides: GLP-1, GIP and glucagon
A cluster of metabolic research peptides — including tirzepatide, retatrutide and cagrilintide — is often grouped under the term incretin agonists. Understanding the receptor families they target makes the differences between them much clearer. This is a research-context overview only, with no clinical or dosing claims.
The receptor families
- GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptor — the most-studied incretin target.
- GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) receptor — a second incretin pathway.
- Glucagon receptor — distinct from the above, part of the same broader signalling landscape.
- Amylin receptor — the target relevant to cagrilintide, frequently discussed alongside the incretins.
Single, dual and triple agonists
Research peptides in this space are often described by how many receptors they engage. A single agonist targets one receptor; a dual agonist two; a triple agonist three. Tirzepatide is commonly characterised as a dual GIP/GLP-1 agonist, while retatrutide is described as a triple GIP/GLP-1/glucagon agonist.
The receptor profile is the cleanest way to compare these molecules at a glance — it tells you which signalling pathways a study is probing, independent of any marketing language.
Handling notes
These are typically supplied lyophilised and reconstituted with care like other peptides — gentle dissolution, cold storage, aliquoting to avoid freeze-thaw cycles. Always confirm identity and purity against the lot Certificate of Analysis.
For in-vitro research use only. Nothing here is medical, clinical or dosing advice.