GLP-1 Analog Peptides

An investigational unimolecular GLP-1 and amylin receptor co-agonist from Novo Nordisk, being developed in both oral and subcutaneous forms for obesity and type 2 diabetes, with early-phase weight-loss data among the largest reported for the class.

A long-acting amylin analog in development by Novo Nordisk, studied in combination with semaglutide (CagriSema) for obesity — achieving up to 24% weight loss in trials.

An investigational once-weekly fixed-dose combination of the amylin analog cagrilintide and the GLP-1 agonist semaglutide from Novo Nordisk, tested in the Phase 3 REDEFINE program for obesity and type 2 diabetes.

Dulaglutide (Trulicity) is an FDA-approved once-weekly GLP-1 receptor agonist fusion protein prescribed for type 2 diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular risk reduction. It consists of a modified GLP-1 analog covalently linked to a human IgG4 Fc fragment, enabling convenient once-weekly subcutaneous dosing.

A once-weekly, cAMP-biased GLP-1 receptor agonist engineered to preferentially signal through the cAMP pathway. Investigated for type 2 diabetes and obesity, with both subcutaneous and oral formulations under development.

A once-weekly, exendin-based GLP-1 receptor agonist built on an antibody Fc fusion scaffold. Notable for the AMPLITUDE-O cardiovascular outcomes trial, which showed reductions in major cardiovascular and renal events in high-risk type 2 diabetes.

Exenatide is the first FDA-approved GLP-1 receptor agonist, a synthetic 39-amino-acid peptide derived from exendin-4 found in the saliva of the Gila monster (Heloderma suspectum). Available as Byetta (twice-daily injection) and Bydureon (once-weekly extended-release microsphere injection), it lowers blood glucose in type 2 diabetes by enhancing glucose-dependent insulin secretion, suppressing glucagon, slowing gastric emptying, and promoting satiety.

A 42-amino-acid incretin hormone secreted by K-cells in the duodenum and jejunum that potentiates glucose-dependent insulin secretion and plays a central role in the mechanism of tirzepatide and retatrutide.

The first GLP-1 receptor agonist approved for chronic weight management (Saxenda, 2014) — an acylated human GLP-1 analog with ~13-hour half-life dosed once daily.

Lixisenatide is an FDA-approved 44-amino-acid GLP-1 receptor agonist derived from exendin-4, prescribed for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Marketed as Adlyxin in the US and Lyxumia in Europe, it is also available in a fixed-ratio combination with insulin glargine (Soliqua 100/33) for comprehensive glycemic control.

A once-weekly GLP-1 receptor and glucagon receptor (GCGR) dual agonist based on the oxyntomodulin backbone. Developed for obesity and type 2 diabetes, mazdutide couples appetite suppression with glucagon-driven energy expenditure and hepatic fat reduction.

An 82-amino-acid anorexigenic peptide derived from nucleobindin-2 (NUCB2) that suppresses appetite through hypothalamic signaling and crosses the blood-brain barrier, studied for potential anti-obesity applications.

An oral, non-peptide GLP-1 receptor agonist in phase 3 development by Eli Lilly, representing a potential paradigm shift from injectable to oral incretin-based therapies for obesity and type 2 diabetes.

Oral semaglutide co-formulated with SNAC (sodium N-[8-(2-hydroxybenzoyl)amino] caprylate) absorption enhancer — the first peptide-based GLP-1 receptor agonist available as a daily oral tablet (Rybelsus), FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes.

A dual GLP-1/glucagon receptor agonist developed by Altimmune for MASH and obesity, designed to leverage glucagon-driven hepatic fat reduction alongside GLP-1-mediated appetite suppression.

An investigational long-acting amylin analog from Zealand Pharma designed for once-weekly dosing in obesity, being studied both alone and as a potential backbone for combination therapy, with a focus on quality of weight loss and tolerability.

Pramlintide (Symlin) is an FDA-approved synthetic analog of amylin, a 37-amino-acid peptide hormone co-secreted with insulin from pancreatic beta cells. Administered as a subcutaneous injection before meals, it complements insulin therapy in both type 1 and type 2 diabetes by suppressing postprandial glucagon, slowing gastric emptying, and promoting satiety — three mechanisms that insulin alone cannot address.

Long-acting GLP-1 receptor agonist — FDA-approved for type-2 diabetes and chronic weight management, landmark for its ~15% mean weight reduction in STEP trials.

A dual GLP-1/glucagon receptor agonist in phase 3 development by Boehringer Ingelheim for MASH (metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis) and obesity, with strong liver-directed efficacy signals.

A triple monoamine reuptake inhibitor (serotonin, norepinephrine, dopamine) originally developed for neurodegenerative diseases, repurposed for obesity after demonstrating significant weight loss in clinical trials.