The GLP-1 Research Landscape in 2024

Few areas of metabolic research have moved as fast as the incretin field. The progression from single GLP-1 agonists to dual and triple agonists has reshaped how researchers model glucose regulation and energy balance.

Semaglutide, a long-acting GLP-1 receptor agonist, established the baseline. Tirzepatide added GIP-receptor activity, creating a dual agonist. Retatrutide extends this further by also engaging the glucagon receptor — a triple agonist now central to next-generation metabolic studies.

Each step adds receptor targets and, with them, complexity in study design. Researchers choosing between these compounds are effectively choosing which signaling axes to probe.

All compounds discussed are offered for research use only and are not for human consumption.