Glycemic Control Research Peptides

11 research peptides demonstrate glycemic control properties. This collection covers their mechanisms, evidence base, and research applications.

FDA Approved | Metabolic / GLP-1 Agonist

Exenatide is a 39-amino-acid GLP-1 receptor agonist (MW ~4186.6 g/mol) originally derived from exendin-4, a peptide found in the saliva of the Gila monster (Heloderma suspectum).

Mechanism: Exenatide binds to and activates the GLP-1 receptor on pancreatic beta cells, stimulating glucose-dependent insulin secretion.

FDA Approved | Metabolic / GLP-1 Agonist

Dulaglutide (brand name Trulicity) is a once-weekly GLP-1 receptor agonist developed by Eli Lilly, FDA-approved in September 2014 for type 2 diabetes.

Mechanism: Dulaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist consisting of two identical disulfide-linked chains, each containing an N-terminal GLP-1 analog sequence (90% homology to native GLP-1) fused to a modified...

FDA Approved | Metabolic / GLP-1 Agonist

Lixisenatide is a once-daily GLP-1 receptor agonist (MW ~4858.5 g/mol) based on the exendin-4 scaffold, with a modified C-terminal tail containing six lysine residues.

Mechanism: Lixisenatide is a 44-amino-acid peptide that activates the GLP-1 receptor with high affinity. It is derived from exendin-4 with deletion of a proline residue and addition of six C-terminal lysine...

FDA Approved | Metabolic / GLP-1 Agonist

Albiglutide (brand name Tanzeum in the US, Eperzan in Europe) was a once-weekly GLP-1 receptor agonist consisting of two copies of a modified GLP-1 sequence fused to human albumin (MW ~72,970 g/mol).

Mechanism: Albiglutide is a recombinant fusion protein consisting of two tandem copies of a modified human GLP-1(7-36) sequence (with an Ala8Gly substitution for DPP-4 resistance) genetically fused to human...

FDA Approved | Metabolic / Amylin Analog

Pramlintide (brand name Symlin) is a synthetic analog of amylin, a 37-amino-acid pancreatic hormone co-secreted with insulin from beta cells (MW ~3949.4 g/mol).

Mechanism: Pramlintide mimics the actions of endogenous amylin, a 37-amino-acid hormone co-secreted with insulin from pancreatic beta cells in response to meals.

Phase III / NDA Filed | Metabolic / Endogenous Hormone

Amylin (islet amyloid polypeptide, IAPP) is an endogenous 37-amino-acid peptide hormone (MW ~3903.3 g/mol) co-secreted with insulin from pancreatic beta cells in response to nutrient ingestion.

Mechanism: Amylin is synthesized as an 89-amino-acid preprohormone in pancreatic beta cells and processed to its mature 37-amino-acid form with a C-terminal amide and an intramolecular disulfide bond between...

Phase I–II Clinical Trials | Metabolic / Dual GLP-1/Glucagon Agonist

Mazdutide (IBI362) is a dual GLP-1/glucagon receptor agonist co-developed by Innovent Biologics and Eli Lilly (MW ~4233.7 g/mol).

Mechanism: Mazdutide is a fatty acid-acylated peptide that activates both the GLP-1 receptor and the glucagon receptor.

Phase I–II Clinical Trials | Metabolic / Dual GLP-1/Glucagon Agonist

Pemvidutide (ALT-801) is a dual GLP-1/glucagon receptor agonist being developed by Altimmune for the treatment of obesity and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH/MASH).

Mechanism: Pemvidutide is a dual-agonist peptide that activates both the GLP-1 receptor and the glucagon receptor.

Phase I–II Clinical Trials | Metabolic / Dual GLP-1/Glucagon Agonist

Cotadutide (MEDI0382) is a dual GLP-1/glucagon receptor agonist developed by AstraZeneca (originally MedImmune). It is a once-daily injectable peptide designed to combine GLP-1 receptor-mediated glucose lowering and appetite suppression with...

Mechanism: Cotadutide is a synthetic peptide that activates both the GLP-1 receptor and the glucagon receptor in a balanced ratio.

Phase III / NDA Filed | Metabolic / Oral GLP-1 Agonist (Small Molecule)

Danuglipron (PF-06882961) is a small-molecule, non-peptide oral GLP-1 receptor agonist developed by Pfizer. NOTE: Danuglipron is NOT a peptide — it is a synthetic small molecule included here for comparison with peptide-based GLP-1 agonists.

Mechanism: Danuglipron is a non-peptide, small-molecule agonist of the GLP-1 receptor. Unlike peptide GLP-1 agonists (semaglutide, liraglutide, tirzepatide), it is an orally bioavailable synthetic compound that...

Phase III / NDA Filed | Metabolic / Oral GLP-1 Agonist (Small Molecule)

Orforglipron (LY3502970) is a small-molecule, non-peptide oral GLP-1 receptor agonist being developed by Eli Lilly. NOTE: Orforglipron is NOT a peptide — it is a synthetic small molecule included here for comparison with peptide-based GLP-1 agonists.

Mechanism: Orforglipron is a non-peptide small molecule that acts as a full agonist at the GLP-1 receptor. Originally discovered by Chugai Pharmaceutical (as OWL833) and licensed to Eli Lilly, it binds to the...