Mazdutide vs Retatrutide
Mazdutide (Dual GLP-1/glucagon receptor agonist) and Retatrutide (Triple GIP/GLP-1/glucagon receptor agonist) are documented as co-studied in the PeptiDex library. This page puts the two entries side by side on class, molecular weight, half-life, origin, mechanism and studied research areas — every value taken from the entry it belongs to.
Why these two are co-studied
Cross-referenced for research context — not a usage or combination recommendation.
At a glance
| Attribute | Mazdutide | Retatrutide |
|---|---|---|
| Compound class | Dual GLP-1/glucagon receptor agonist | Triple GIP/GLP-1/glucagon receptor agonist |
| Research category | GLP-1 Family | GLP-1 Family |
| Length (amino acids) | Not documented | 39 amino acids |
| Molecular weight | Not documented | ~4731 g/mol |
| Half-life | Not documented | ~6 days |
| Origin | An investigational dual agonist targeting the GLP-1 and glucagon receptors, developed by Eli Lilly and licensed to Innovent Biologics for the Chinese market (also known as IBI362 or LY3305677). It has been evaluated in clinical trials in the 2020s. | An investigational peptide developed by Eli Lilly as a single molecule targeting three receptors: GIP, GLP-1, and glucagon. It has been evaluated in clinical trials in the 2020s. |
“Not documented” means the PeptiDex entry records no value for that field. Nothing on this page is estimated, and no figure is carried over from one compound to the other.
How Mazdutide works
Mazdutide is a synthetic peptide agonist that activates both the GLP-1 and glucagon receptors, structurally based on the glucagon/oxyntomodulin family. GLP-1 agonism enhances glucose-dependent insulin secretion, suppresses glucagon, slows gastric emptying, and reduces appetite, while glucagon-receptor agonism is proposed to increase energy expenditure and influence hepatic lipid metabolism. The combined activity is being studied for effects on body weight and metabolic parameters.
How Retatrutide works
Retatrutide is a synthetic peptide agonist designed to activate the GIP, GLP-1, and glucagon receptors simultaneously. GIP and GLP-1 agonism support glucose-dependent insulin secretion, glucagon suppression, delayed gastric emptying, and appetite reduction, while glucagon-receptor agonism is proposed to increase energy expenditure. The combined activity is being studied for its effects on body weight and metabolic parameters.
Mechanistic descriptions reflect published research-literature understanding and are quoted from each compound's own entry. Much peptide research is preclinical (in-vitro or animal-model); mechanism in humans may differ and is not established for many compounds.
Where each one appears in the literature
The research contexts each entry documents. Listing a research area is not a claim of efficacy or a therapeutic indication, and the two lists are not scored against each other.
Described in identical terms for both
Mazdutide
Retatrutide
What sets each apart
Mazdutide
Mazdutide differs from tirzepatide by pairing GLP-1 with glucagon-receptor agonism (rather than GIP), and from single GLP-1 agonists by its dual-receptor action.
Retatrutide
Retatrutide differs from tirzepatide and semaglutide by adding a third target, the glucagon receptor, making it a triple agonist rather than a single or dual agonist.
Frequently asked questions
What is mazdutide and what receptors does it target?
Mazdutide (IBI362 / LY3305677) is a once-weekly dual agonist based on a mammalian oxyntomodulin analogue that activates both the GLP-1 and glucagon receptors. The glucagon-receptor arm — associated in research with increased energy expenditure and hepatic fat effects — distinguishes it from GLP-1 mono-agonists. It is studied in obesity and metabolic models, with much of the clinical work conducted in Chinese populations.
How is mazdutide dose-escalated in the research literature?
Reported protocols escalate weekly — for example a 9 mg cohort using 3 mg (weeks 1-4), 6 mg (weeks 5-8), then 9 mg (weeks 9-12), and a 10 mg cohort stepping 2.5 -> 5 -> 7.5 -> 10 mg over 16 weeks. Phase 3 (GLORY-1) work centered on 4 mg and 6 mg weekly maintenance doses. These are reference figures for research context only, not human dosing guidance.
How does mazdutide differ from tirzepatide?
Both are dual agonists, but mazdutide pairs GLP-1 with glucagon-receptor activity, whereas tirzepatide pairs GLP-1 with GIP-receptor activity. The glucagon arm is the mechanistic feature researchers study for its effects on energy expenditure and hepatic fat. Mazdutide is earlier in development and less broadly characterized.
What is retatrutide and what makes it a 'triple agonist'?
Retatrutide (LY3437943) is a single-molecule triple agonist that activates the GLP-1, GIP, and glucagon receptors. The added glucagon-receptor activity — associated in research with increased energy expenditure — is what distinguishes it from GLP-1 mono-agonists and GLP-1/GIP dual agonists. It is studied in models of obesity and metabolic regulation.
What is retatrutide's half-life and how does it shape study design?
Retatrutide has a reported half-life of approximately 6 days, which supports once-weekly administration in the published trials. Steady-state levels are generally reached after about 4-5 weeks of weekly dosing at a given dose, so protocols use a multi-week escalation before any maintenance readout. The long half-life implies a multi-week washout after stopping.
How is retatrutide dose-escalated in the clinical literature?
Phase 2 protocols escalated weekly in steps such as 1, 2, 4, 8, and up to 12 mg, each held about 4 weeks; later phase 3 (TRIUMPH) protocols used steps like 1 -> 2 -> 4 -> 6 -> 9 -> 12 mg. In the reported data, gradual escalation to the same maintenance dose produced fewer gastrointestinal events than jumping straight to it. These are reference figures for research context only, not human dosing guidance.
Answers are the ones published on each compound's own PeptiDex entry. They are educational summaries of research-literature context and are not medical advice.