GLP-1 is one of the most heavily targeted receptors in modern metabolic research. Here is how the class works, how its agonists are engineered, and what to expect on the COA.
Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is an incretin hormone secreted by intestinal L-cells. Its receptor is a class B G-protein-coupled receptor expressed in pancreatic β-cells, the CNS and multiple peripheral tissues. Native GLP-1 has a plasma half-life of roughly 2 minutes owing to rapid DPP-4 cleavage — the entire GLP-1 agonist class exists to solve that stability problem.
How agonists extend half-life
- Aib (α-aminoisobutyric acid) substitution at position 8 blocks DPP-4 cleavage.
- Fatty-acid conjugation to a Lys residue enables reversible albumin binding.
- Backbone engineering to reduce renal clearance.
Research half-life reference
| Peptide | Modification strategy | Published half-life |
|---|---|---|
| Semaglutide | Aib8 + C18 diacid linker | ~7 days |
| Tirzepatide | GIP backbone + C20 diacid linker | ~5 days |
| Retatrutide | Triple-agonist backbone + fatty-acid linker | ~6 days |
Research use only. All information on this page is provided strictly for in-vitro and laboratory research reference. Nothing in this article is medical, therapeutic, dosing, or performance advice for human or veterinary use.
