GLP-1 Research Peptides Explained: Retatrutide vs Tirzepatide vs Cagrilintide

The incretin system, briefly

A handful of receptors sit at the center of metabolic research: GLP-1, GIP, the glucagon receptor, and the amylin receptor. The peptides below are studied for how they engage one or more of these targets. This is educational background — none of it is medical advice or a claim of any outcome.

Tirzepatide — the dual agonist

Tirzepatide is built on the native GIP sequence and activates both the GIP and GLP-1 receptors — which is why it's nicknamed the "twincretin." It is one of the most extensively characterized compounds in preclinical metabolic and glucose research. Supplied as a 30 mg reference vial. View in catalog →

Retatrutide — the triple agonist

Retatrutide goes a step further, engaging three receptors: GLP-1, GIP, and glucagon. That combination has made it the single most closely watched compound in current metabolic research. Available in 20, 30, and 40 mg reference vials.

Cagrilintide — the amylin analogue

Cagrilintide works through a different door — the amylin (AMYR) and calcitonin (CTR) receptors — and is frequently studied alongside the incretin agonists rather than instead of them. It's a long-acting acylated analogue, supplied at 10 mg.

Where tesamorelin and AOD-9604 fit

Two more metabolic-category compounds sit adjacent to the incretin class. Tesamorelin is a stabilized growth-hormone-releasing analogue studied in the GH axis and adipose research. AOD-9604 is a modified fragment of human growth hormone (176-191) studied specifically in lipid-metabolism models.

How to think about the differences

In short: tirzepatide hits two receptors, retatrutide hits three, and cagrilintide hits an entirely separate amylin pathway. Researchers choose based on which mechanism their study is designed around. For pricing or a COA on any of these, join our Telegram channel or call 561-591-9642.