GLP-1 and Incretin Analogues
10 compounds in this family, each with its recorded mechanism, routes of administration, safety notes and references to published literature.
- AvexitideAvexitide (exendin‑9‑39) is a synthetic peptide that blocks the glucagon‑like peptide‑1 receptor (GLP‑1R). It is being investigated as a treatment for conditions marked by excessive insulin secretion, notably post‑bariatric hypoglycaemia (PBH) and congenital hyperinsulinism (HI). By antagonising GLP‑1R, avexitide aims to raise blood glucose nadirs and reduce hypoglycaemic episodes in patients who have limited therapeutic options.
- BeinaglutideBeinaglutide is a short‑acting glucagon‑like peptide‑1 (GLP‑1) receptor agonist approved in China for weight management in adults with overweight or obesity. Administered subcutaneously, it is used as an adjunct to lifestyle measures and has been investigated in both non‑diabetic and type 2 diabetic populations for its ability to reduce body weight and improve cardiometabolic risk factors.
- DulaglutideDulaglutide is a once‑weekly, injectable glucagon‑like peptide‑1 (GLP‑1) receptor agonist approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. By enhancing glucose‑dependent insulin secretion and reducing appetite, it lowers blood glucose and promotes modest weight loss. Clinical trials have shown that dulaglutide also reduces the risk of major cardiovascular events in people with diabetes and established atherosclerotic disease, making it a key option for patients needing both glycaemic and cardiovascular protection.
- ExenatideExenatide is an approved, subcutaneously administered GLP‑1 receptor agonist used to improve blood glucose control in adults with type 2 diabetes. It also produces modest weight loss and, in cardiovascular outcome trials, has been linked to reductions in major adverse cardiovascular events, mortality, heart‑failure admissions, and kidney disease progression.
- Gastric inhibitory polypeptideGastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP), also called glucose‑dependent insulinotropic polypeptide, is a gut‑derived incretin hormone released after nutrient ingestion. It binds the GIP receptor (GIPR) on pancreatic β‑cells and other tissues to modulate insulin secretion, β‑cell growth, fat storage, bone formation and brain function. While GIP alone is not an approved drug, it is a key component of newer dual‑ and triple‑agonist therapies under investigation for obesity and type‑2 diabetes.
- GLP-1 (7-36) amideGlucagon‑like peptide‑1 (7‑36) amide is the native, amidated form of the incretin hormone released from intestinal L‑cells after a meal. It stimulates glucose‑dependent insulin secretion, suppresses glucagon release, slows gastric emptying and reduces food intake. Because it is rapidly degraded by dipeptidyl‑peptidase‑4, its circulating half‑life is very short, limiting its direct therapeutic use. Research continues to explore its central nervous system actions, cardiovascular effects and the activity of its breakdown products.
- LiraglutideLiraglutide is a synthetic analogue of the hormone glucagon‑like peptide‑1 (GLP‑1) delivered by once‑daily subcutaneous injection. It is approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and, at a higher 3.0 mg dose, for chronic weight management in adults. Clinical trials have shown it can reduce body‑mass index and promote meaningful weight loss when combined with diet and exercise, and meta‑analyses suggest cardiovascular and renal benefits in people with type 2 diabetes.
- RetatrutideRetatrutide is a novel triple agonist peptide targeting GLP-1, GIP, and glucagon receptors, developed for obesity and type 2 diabetes with superior weight loss efficacy in Phase 2 trials
- SemaglutideSemaglutide is an approved glucagon‑like peptide‑1 (GLP‑1) receptor agonist formulated as a once‑weekly subcutaneous injection and as an oral tablet. It is indicated for type 2 diabetes and, at higher doses, for chronic weight management in adults with overweight or obesity, with or without diabetes. Clinical trials have demonstrated substantial reductions in body weight and improvements in cardiometabolic risk factors, while the most frequent adverse events are gastrointestinal in nature.
- TirzepatideTirzepatide is a synthetic peptide that activates both the glucose‑dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon‑like peptide‑1 (GLP‑1) receptors. It is administered as a once‑weekly subcutaneous injection and is approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and obesity. Clinical trials have shown substantial weight loss, improved glycaemic control, and potential benefits in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction and obstructive sleep apnea, positioning it as a versatile therapy for metabolic and cardiometabolic disorders.