GLP-1 & incretin receptor agonists

Peptides that mimic incretin hormones to influence insulin secretion, gastric emptying, and appetite. This class includes the approved metabolic drugs and newer multi-receptor agonists.

How this class works

Agonism at the GLP-1 receptor (and, for newer agents, GIP and/or glucagon receptors) enhances glucose-dependent insulin release, slows gastric emptying, and reduces appetite via central pathways.

Best-supported in this class

Semaglutide grades highest (S-tier) on current published evidence; approved members: Semaglutide, Liraglutide, Tirzepatide. This reflects evidence maturity — not a recommendation to use anything.

Compounds in this class

SemaglutideS
Approved use
Best for: approved weight loss use
In progress
LiraglutideS
Approved use
Best for: approved weight loss use
In progress
TirzepatideS
Approved use
Best for: approved weight loss use
In progress
RetatrutideB
Clinical trials
Best for: weight loss research
In progress
CagrilintideC
Clinical trials
Best for: weight loss research
In progress
CagrisemaC
Clinical trials
Best for: weight loss research
In progress

Head-to-head: Semaglutide vs Liraglutide

Research goals this class touches
Weight lossLiver fat / MASH

FAQ

Which glp-1 & incretin receptor agonists has the strongest evidence?

Semaglutide currently grades highest in this class (S-tier) on published evidence — which reflects evidence maturity, not a recommendation.

Are any glp-1 & incretin receptor agonists FDA-approved?

Yes — Semaglutide, Liraglutide, Tirzepatide are FDA-approved for specific indications. Others in the class are investigational or research-only.

How do compounds in this class differ?

Agonism at the GLP-1 receptor (and, for newer agents, GIP and/or glucagon receptors) enhances glucose-dependent insulin release, slows gastric emptying, and reduces appetite via central pathways. Within the class, members differ widely in evidence maturity, approval status, and safety — the tiers and evidence stages above show how.

Keep reading
Mechanisms

The pathways these classes act through.

The peptide database

Every compound, filterable by class.

Peptides 101

Background on how peptide classes differ.

The tier board

Compare classes by published evidence.

Research reference only. Not medical advice. Compounds in a class can differ greatly in evidence, approval status, and safety.

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