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Metabolic & Weight
FDA Approved

GLP-1

GLP1

Dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist.

Also known as: LY3298176

Research dose range2.5–15 mg weekly (research models)
Route studiedSubcutaneous
Study durationContinuous, titrated over weeks
Storage2–8 °C reconstituted

Overview

GLP-1 is a dual-incretin agonist acting on both GIP and GLP-1 receptors, widely studied in glucose-metabolism and energy-balance research, representing the dual-incretin class.

Key research findings

The first dual GIP/GLP-1 agonist, with SURMOUNT trials reporting ~21–23% mean body-weight change at the highest weekly amounts — exceeding selective GLP-1 agonists in head-to-head metabolic research. GIP co-activation is hypothesized to enhance insulin sensitivity and tolerability.

Mechanism of action

Simultaneously activates GIP and GLP-1 receptors, amplifying glucose-dependent insulin response and appetite modulation.

Molecular information

Weight4,813.45 Da
Length39 amino acids
TypeDual GIP/GLP-1 agonist
Amino-acid sequence39-residue linear peptide conjugated to a C20 fatty-diacid moiety (Lilly LY3298176).

C20 diacid conjugation drives albumin binding and once-weekly kinetics.

Pharmacokinetics

Peak: ~24 hoursHalf-life: ~5 daysCleared: ~25 days
Peak · 1dHalf-life · 5d

Illustrative relative-concentration model derived from published pharmacokinetic research. Curve is normalized and provided for educational comparison only — not a dosing schedule.

Research applications

  • Dual-incretin metabolic research
  • Glucose-regulation studies
  • Energy-balance investigations

Research protocols

Protocols summarized from published research models. Provided for scientific reference only — not dosing guidance for human use.

Initiation referenceAmount: 2.5 mgFrequency: Once weeklyRoute: Subcutaneous
Titration referenceAmount: 5–10 mgFrequency: Once weeklyRoute: Subcutaneous
Maintenance referenceAmount: 10–15 mgFrequency: Once weeklyRoute: Subcutaneous

Observed effects timeline

Aggregated observations reported across research literature. Timing and magnitude vary by model and are not a guarantee of outcome.

  1. Week 1–4

    Appetite modulation begins; GI adaptation during the 2.5 mg initiation phase commonly reported.

  2. Week 8–20

    Progressive weight change and improved glucose control reported across study cohorts.

  3. Week 36–72

    Approach to maximal observed effect (~21–23%) with sustained metabolic improvement.

Research compatibility

Describes how compounds are studied alongside one another in the literature. Not a recommendation to co-administer.

Semaglutide

Overlapping GLP-1 activity — studied as alternatives.

Avoid combination

GLP-3

Redundant incretin signaling.

Avoid combination

Insulin

Additive glucose-lowering observed.

Monitor

Metformin

Commonly co-studied in metabolic research.

Compatible

Cagrilintide

Amylin co-study designs use staggered timing.

Requires timing

How to reconstitute

Important

Use bacteriostatic water only for lyophilized vials; avoid saline. Refrigerate reconstituted solution and use within ~28 days (often 1–3 months if it stays clear).

  1. 1Allow the vial to reach room temperature (15–20 minutes).
  2. 2Swab the stopper with alcohol and let it air dry.
  3. 3Add bacteriostatic water slowly down the vial wall to limit foaming.
  4. 4Swirl gently — do not shake — until clear and colorless.
  5. 5Refrigerate at 2–8 °C and protect from light.
Open reconstitution calculator

Quality indicators

Uniform white powder

Lyophilized material should be a white to off-white cake without discoloration.

Clear solution

Reconstitutes to a clear, colorless, particle-free solution.

Cold-chain integrity

Reconstituted solution requires 2–8 °C storage.

Slight clumping

Small clumps that dissolve completely with gentle swirling are acceptable — shipping can cause minor compaction.

Collapsed or melted appearance

Powder that looks collapsed, melted, or stuck to the vial walls may have been exposed to heat in transit.

Cloudy after reconstitution

Persistent cloudiness, particles, or precipitate after gentle mixing can indicate a degraded or contaminated peptide.

Reported observations & safety

Safety signals reported in the research literature. Compiled for scientific awareness — not medical advice.

  • Gastrointestinal effects are the most common reported signals and are dose-dependent.
  • Conservative titration is used to minimize GI signals in study designs.
  • Medullary-thyroid-carcinoma contraindication notes appear in clinical labeling.

References & further reading

SURMOUNT-1: Tirzepatide Once Weekly for Obesity (NEJM, 2022)

Humann=2,539up to ~20.9% weight change

Pivotal randomized trial of tirzepatide reporting dose-dependent body-weight reductions over 72 weeks.

View study

SURPASS program glycemic outcomes (review)

Reviewtype 2 diabetesHbA1c

Summary of glucose-control findings across the SURPASS clinical-trial program for tirzepatide.

Topics

gipglp-1incretin

This entry is provided for educational and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, a dosing protocol, or a claim of therapeutic benefit. Research compounds are supplied strictly for laboratory and research use — not for human or veterinary consumption.

Research level
FDA Approved

Approved for one or more clinical indications by a major regulator.

Quick reference
Dose range2.5–15 mg weekly (research models)
RouteSubcutaneous
DurationContinuous, titrated over weeks
Storage2–8 °C reconstituted
Half-life~5 days
Available at Reviva

GLP-1 is stocked as a research-grade compound, ≥99% by HPLC, third-party verified.

View in catalogue
Research toolsReconstitution calculator

Related compounds

GLP3

GLP-3

Triple-agonist incretin research peptide.