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The class is organized by the number of co-activated receptors:
GLP-1 agonists (single)
Semaglutide and liraglutide: acylated analogs resistant to DPP-4. Semaglutide, given weekly, is the archetype of the class.
Dual GIP/GLP-1 agonists
Tirzepatide: a single molecule that co-activates both incretin receptors. In studies, co-activation produces a greater metabolic effect than GLP-1 agonism alone.
Triple GLP-1/GIP/glucagon agonists
Retatrutide: adds the glucagon receptor, which increases energy expenditure and hepatic lipid mobilization on top of the incretin effect.
The class is complemented by cagrilintide (an amylin analog, satiety through an independent pathway, often combined with semaglutide) and mazdutide and survodutide (dual GLP-1/glucagon). The weight-loss mechanism combines reduced intake (central satiety + gastric slowing) and, in glucagon agonists, increased energy expenditure.
Catalogue compounds mentioned in this lesson
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