Comparison
Exenatide vs. Retatrutide
Two peptides side-by-side — identity, evidence base, legal status and known adverse events.
Identity
Category
Metabolic
Metabolic
CAS no.
141758-74-9
2381089-83-2
Molecular weight
4186.6 g/mol
4731.6 g/mol
Half-life
2.4 h
144 h
Sequence
HGEGTFTSDLSKQMEEEAVRLFIEWLKNGGPSSGAPPPSY-Aib-EGTFTSDYSIYLDKQAAQDFVQWLLDTGPSSGAPPPSMechanism of action
Exenatide
Exenatide is a 39-amino-acid peptide with about 53% sequence homology to human GLP-1. A glycine substitution at position 2 prevents dipeptidyl-peptidase-IV cleavage and extends the half-life from native GLP-1 (minutes) to about 2.4 hours. GLP-1 receptor activation glucose-dependently stimulates insulin secretion, inhibits glucagon and delays gastric emptying.
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
4
4
Effects recorded
3
4
Open conflicts
1
0
Documented adverse events
2
2