Weight Loss Research Peptides
Overview
11 research peptides demonstrate weight loss properties. This collection covers their mechanisms, evidence base, and research applications.
Exenatide
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.
Dulaglutide
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...
Pramlintide
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.
Setmelanotide
FDA Approved | Metabolic / MC4R Agonist
Setmelanotide (brand name Imcivree) is a cyclic 8-amino-acid peptide (MW ~1117.3 g/mol) that acts as a melanocortin 4 receptor (MC4R) agonist.
Mechanism: Setmelanotide is a selective MC4R agonist that re-establishes signaling in the hypothalamic leptin-melanocortin pathway.
Mazdutide
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.
Pemvidutide
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.
Cotadutide
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.
Danuglipron
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...
Orforglipron
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...
Amycretin
Phase I–II Clinical Trials | Weight Loss / GLP-1 Agonist
Amycretin is a first-in-class unimolecular peptide co-agonist developed by Novo Nordisk that simultaneously activates both GLP-1 and amylin receptors from a single molecule. It is being developed primarily as an oral tablet for obesity treatment.
Mechanism: Amycretin simultaneously activates two receptor systems from a single molecular backbone. The GLP-1 receptor component promotes glucose-dependent insulin secretion, slows gastric emptying, and...
GLP-1
Endogenous hormone with multiple approved analogs | Metabolic / Weight Loss
GLP-1 (Glucagon-Like Peptide-1) is a 30-amino acid incretin hormone secreted by intestinal L-cells in response to food intake. It is the endogenous peptide behind the revolutionary class of GLP-1 receptor agonist drugs including semaglutide...
Mechanism: GLP-1 binds to the GLP-1 receptor (GLP-1R), a class B G-protein coupled receptor expressed in pancreatic beta cells, the hypothalamus, brainstem, heart, kidney, and GI tract.
Related Research News
Ved Srivastava on Peptide Science from Early Days to AI Era
Dr. Ved Srivastava, Chief Scientific Officer at Perpetual Medicines, shares his career in peptide therapeutics. He contributed to drugs like Byetta (exenatide), Bydureon, and Symlin (pramlintide). In a discussion, he covers the field's evolution and 2026 trends including macrocyclic peptides and AI design.
Amylins (IAPP): Structure, Receptors, and Key Analogues
Amylin, or islet amyloid polypeptide (IAPP), is a 37-amino-acid peptide co-produced with insulin in pancreatic β-cells at ratios from 1:10 to 1:100. It slows gastric emptying, suppresses glucagon secretion after meals, and promotes satiety through brainstem pathways. Synthetic versions like pramlintide and cagrilintide show promise in managing postprandial glucose and obesity, with clinical trials demonstrating significant weight loss.