Semaglutide vs Tirzepatide vs Retatrutide — how these GLP-1-class research peptides compare by receptor targets and research focus. Research Use Only.
Semaglutide vs Tirzepatide vs Retatrutide at a glance
| Semaglutide | Tirzepatide | Retatrutide | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class / mechanism | GLP-1 receptor agonist (single incretin receptor) | Dual GLP-1 / GIP receptor agonist | Triple GLP-1 / GIP / glucagon receptor agonist |
| Sequence | — | — | — |
| CAS number | — | — | 2381306-68-7 |
| Research focus | GLP-1 receptor binding, metabolic signaling, cardiovascular cell models | Dual incretin-receptor signaling, metabolic modulation | Triple-receptor signaling; metabolic, adipose, hepatocyte, cardiovascular models |
| Form | Lyophilized powder | Lyophilized powder | Lyophilized powder |
| Storage | -20°C, protected from light | -20°C, protected from light | -20°C, protected from light |
What’s the difference?
The three differ by how many incretin and metabolic receptors they engage. Semaglutide is a single GLP-1 receptor agonist; Tirzepatide is a dual agonist that adds the GIP receptor; and Retatrutide is a triple agonist that further adds the glucagon receptor. In laboratory research they are used as reference agonists of increasing receptor breadth.
Which to use in research
Choose the compound whose receptor coverage matches the pathway under study: Semaglutide for GLP-1-only questions, Tirzepatide for combined GLP-1/GIP questions, and Retatrutide where glucagon-receptor involvement is also of interest. All three are supplied lyophilised and reconstituted identically.
Handling
All are supplied as lyophilised powder for reconstitution in bacteriostatic or sterile water. See the reconstitution guide and calculator. Each lot ships with a lot-specific Certificate of Analysis.
Learn more
Read the individual overviews: Semaglutide research overview · Tirzepatide research overview · Retatrutide research overview.
Buy for research
- Buy Semaglutide (5mg) (research use only) →
- Buy Tirzepatide (15mg) (research use only) →
- Buy Retatrutide (15mg) (research use only) →
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between semaglutide, tirzepatide and retatrutide?
They differ by receptor targets: semaglutide is a single GLP-1 agonist, tirzepatide is a dual GLP-1/GIP agonist, and retatrutide is a triple GLP-1/GIP/glucagon agonist.
Which engages the most receptors?
Retatrutide, as a triple GLP-1/GIP/glucagon receptor agonist, engages the broadest set of these receptors in research models.
Part of our research peptides handbook.