The idea is to harness the complementary action of several hormones in one molecule. Instead of giving two or three substances, a “hybrid” peptide is designed whose sequence blends features of each natural hormone so that it fits several receptors.
In metabolic research there are three main combinations. GIP + GLP-1: that of tirzepatide. GLP-1 + glucagon: that of survodutide and mazdutide, in which the glucagon component is associated with higher energy expenditure and effects on liver fat. GLP-1 + GIP + glucagon: that of retatrutide, the triple agonist.
The design challenge is balance: how much activity the molecule has at each receptor. Two “dual” agonists with the same receptors can behave very differently if their balance differs.
Comparing compounds from the same family requires looking at which receptors they activate and in what proportion, not just how many. It is the key to reading the comparisons between semaglutide, tirzepatide, retatrutide, survodutide or mazdutide.
Related terms
Learn it in depth at the Peptide University
- Metabolic and repair (1–5) · Module 14
- Complementary monographs (16–20) · Module 14
Related catalogue compounds
Definition for educational and scientific purposes. It is not medical advice or a recommendation for use. NeoPeptidos products are sold labelled for research use only (RUO).