What Are GLP-1 Peptides?
Sema vs. Tirz vs. Survo vs. Reta
When you compare Semaglutide, Tirzepatide, Survodutide and Retatrutide, all of these peptides are GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) agonists, but some of them use multiple mechanisms to increase energy expenditure and reduce food intake. At a high level, Semaglutide is an agonist of only the GLP-1 hormone, whereas other peptides like Survodutide and Tirzepatide target additional pathways, enhancing their therapeutic potential. These peptides have revolutionized the treatment, by mimicking or amplifying the effects of natural incretin hormones.
About Sema
Semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist, is widely recognized for its efficacy in treatment. It works by enhancing insulin secretion, suppressing glucagon release, and delaying gastric emptying¹.
About Tirz
Tirzepatide is a dual agonist that targets both GLP-1 and GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) receptors. This dual mechanism enhances insulin secretion, reduces glucagon levels, and slows gastric emptying, leading to improved glycemic control and significant treatment potential².
Is Survo The New Tirz?
Survodutide is a GLP-1 and Glucagon dual-agonist under investigation by Boehringer Ingelheim that could revolutionise treatment.
Key research takeaways:
- Increases energy expenditure and reduces food intake.
- Survodutide is a dual-agonist, in addition to GLP-1 it also activates glucagon, and this is hypothesized to provide additional clinical benefits in addition to reducing body weight³.
- Some additional clinical benefits of Survodutide being investigated include: cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, and MASH (metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis) which is a condition related to fat buildup in the liver⁴.
About Reta
Retatrutide is a triple agonist targeting GLP-1, GIP, and glucagon receptors, making it a promising candidate for treatment⁵. This peptide amplifies the effects of incretin hormones while also leveraging glucagon’s role in energy expenditure.
References
¹Semaglutide: MedlinePlus Drug Information. medlineplus.gov. Published 2023. Accessed March 11, 2025. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a619057.html
²Tirzepatide: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects & Warnings. Drugs.com. Published 2025. Accessed March 11, 2025. https://www.drugs.com/tirzepatide.html
³Wharton S, le Roux CW, Kosiborod MN, et al. Survodutide for treatment of obesity: rationale and design of two randomized phase 3 clinical trials (SYNCHRONIZE™-1 and -2). Obesity (Silver Spring). 2025; 33(1): 67-77. doi:10.1002/oby.24184
⁴Zimmermann T, Thomas L, Baader-Pagler T, et al. BI 456906: discov-ery and preclinical pharmacology of a novel GCGR/GLP-1R dual ago-nist with robust anti-obesity efficacy. Mol Metab. 2022;66:101633.
⁵Aslam U. Retatrutide: Uses, Side Effects, Availability and More. The Care Pharmacy. Published October 29, 2024. https://thecarepharmacy.com/retatrutide-uses-side-effects-availability-and-more/