GLP-1 Peptides

Synthetic analogs of glucagon-like peptide-1 — an incretin hormone released by the gut after eating. Research examines glucose-dependent insulin secretion, delayed gastric emptying, and central appetite signalling. Cagrilintide is in this category by association rather than mechanism: it’s an amylin analog, and amylin is a pancreatic hormone acting on entirely different receptors.

By receptor count. Semaglutide activates one (GLP-1). Tirzepatide activates two (GIP + GLP-1). Retatrutide activates three (adding glucagon). Each additional receptor changes the mechanism, not just the potency — glucagon agonism in particular is associated with increased energy expenditure rather than reduced intake. See semaglutide vs tirzepatide and retatrutide vs tirzepatide for the trial data.

Because they’re the most counterfeited compound category in the research market. HPLC tells you how much of a vial is a single compound. It does not tell you which compound. A vial can be 99% pure and 99% the wrong molecule — and purity testing alone cannot catch that. Every CompoundPlug GLP-1 publishes its molecular formula and molecular weight.

Semaglutide and tirzepatide are approved prescription drugs in Canada with DIN-bearing products — Ozempic, Wegovy, Rybelsus, Mounjaro, Zepbound. Research-grade material is not those products, is not pharmaceutically equivalent, and is not a substitute. Retatrutide and cagrilintide are investigational and not approved anywhere. None is a controlled substance. All are supplied research-use-only.

Semaglutide vs Tirzepatide — the one comparison in this category backed by a head-to-head trial. Retatrutide vs Tirzepatide — triple agonist against dual, and what the third receptor changes.