GLP-1 Receptor
Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor
The GLP-1 receptor (GLP-1R) is a G-protein-coupled receptor expressed on pancreatic beta cells, gastric tissue, and several CNS regions including the hypothalamus and brainstem. Activation drives glucose-dependent insulin secretion, slows gastric emptying, and produces central satiety signals.
GLP-1R agonism is the mechanism behind the entire GLP-1 / weight-loss class: semaglutide, liraglutide, dulaglutide, exenatide, lixisenatide, and (orally) orforglipron. The receptor is glucose-dependent at the pancreas, which is why GLP-1 agonists rarely cause hypoglycemia in non-diabetic users.
Tirzepatide and retatrutide extend the mechanism: tirzepatide activates GLP-1R and GIP receptor, while retatrutide adds a glucagon-receptor agonist component for additional energy expenditure.
Used in 6 research peptides
- MetabolicLiraglutideDaily GLP-1 analog; FDA-approved for diabetes (Victoza) and obesity (Saxenda).
- MetabolicDulaglutideWeekly GLP-1 receptor agonist fused to an IgG4 Fc fragment; sold as Trulicity by Eli Lilly.
- MetabolicSurvodutideInvestigational GLP-1 / glucagon dual agonist from Boehringer Ingelheim and Zealand Pharma.
- MetabolicMazdutideGLP-1 / glucagon dual agonist (Innovent / Eli Lilly) submitted in China for obesity 2024.
- MetabolicOrforglipronFirst oral non-peptide GLP-1 receptor agonist (Eli Lilly); Phase 3 obesity program.
- MetabolicExenatideFirst-in-class GLP-1 mimetic derived from Gila monster venom; sold as Byetta/Bydureon.
See also
Educational use only
This calculator is provided for research and educational purposes. Outputs are derived from the values you enter. Always verify your math and consult a licensed physician before acting on any result.