Comparison
Ecnoglutide vs. Retatrutide
Two peptides side-by-side — identity, evidence base, legal status and known adverse events.
Identity
Category
Metabolic
Metabolic
CAS no.
no data
2381089-83-2
Molecular weight
no data
4731.6 g/mol
Half-life
144 h
144 h
Sequence
no data
Y-Aib-EGTFTSDYSIYLDKQAAQDFVQWLLDTGPSSGAPPPSMechanism of action
Ecnoglutide
Ecnoglutide is a modified GLP-1(7-37) peptide with an alanine-to-valine substitution at position 8 and an 18-C fatty-acid conjugation at the lysine-30 side chain. It is a so-called biased agonist: at the GLP-1 receptor it preferentially induces cAMP formation while β-arrestin recruitment is reduced. In preclinical models this has been linked to lower receptor internalisation and desensitisation. GLP-1 receptor activation is mechanistically associated with enhanced glucose-dependent insulin secretion, delayed gastric emptying and satiety signalling. The fatty-acid conjugation enables weekly administration via albumin binding.
Retatrutide
Retatrutide is a 39-amino-acid peptide with agonism at three incretin/energy-balance receptors: GLP-1R (insulin secretion, satiety), GIPR (insulin sensitivity, lipid metabolism) and the glucagon receptor (energy expenditure, lipolysis). The added glucagon activation is intended to raise catabolic energy expenditure while concurrent GLP-1/GIP action compensates the hyperglycaemic effect. Albumin binding via a fatty-acid side chain enables weekly dosing.
Evidence base
Highest evidence
Human RCT
Human RCT
Studies
5
5
of which in humans
5
4
Effects recorded
4
4
Open conflicts
0
1
Documented adverse events
1
2
Legal status
Full entries
Frequently asked questions
- What is the difference between Ecnoglutide and Retatrutide?
- Ecnoglutide is classified as "Metabolic", while Retatrutide is classified as "Metabolic". Ecnoglutide: Ecnoglutide (XW003) is a long-acting, cAMP-signalling-biased GLP-1 analogue from Sciwind Biosciences. Derived from GLP-1(7-37) with an alanine-to-valine substitution at position 8, it activates the GLP-1 receptor selectively via the cAMP pathway over β-arrestin recruitment. Investigated for weight management and in type 2 diabetes. Retatrutide: Synthetic triagonist peptide that simultaneously activates the GLP-1, GIP and glucagon receptors. Developed by Eli Lilly; in phase-3 trials for obesity (TRIUMPH programme) and type 2 diabetes. No marketing approval yet. This page contrasts both neutrally and source-based — with no usage or dosing recommendation.
- Which peptide is better supported by science, Ecnoglutide or Retatrutide?
- The highest available evidence level is "Human RCT" for Ecnoglutide and "Human RCT" for Retatrutide. A higher evidence level means more robust data, but says nothing about suitability for an individual. The full body of evidence is on each peptide's own page.
- What is the legal status of Ecnoglutide and Retatrutide in Germany and the United States?
- Germany: Ecnoglutide — Unapproved, Retatrutide — Unapproved. United States: Ecnoglutide — Unapproved, Retatrutide — Unapproved. These are factual summaries with source and review date on the individual pages.