Comparison
Lixisenatide vs. Retatrutide
Two peptides side-by-side — identity, evidence base, legal status and known adverse events.
Identity
Category
Metabolic
Metabolic
CAS no.
320367-13-3
2381089-83-2
Molecular weight
4858.5 g/mol
4731.6 g/mol
Half-life
3 h
144 h
Sequence
HGEGTFTSDLSKQMEEEAVRLFIEWLKNGGPSSGAPPSKKKKKK-NH2Y-Aib-EGTFTSDYSIYLDKQAAQDFVQWLLDTGPSSGAPPPSMechanism of action
Lixisenatide
Lixisenatide is a 44-amino-acid peptide based on exendin-4 (see exenatide) with six additional lysine residues at the C-terminus. This modification increases stability against DPP-4 degradation. The short half-life (~3 hours) and plasma peak around mealtime explain the predominantly prandial effect — stronger postprandial glucose action, weaker fasting glucose effect than weekly GLP-1 RAs.
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
3
4
Open conflicts
1
0
Documented adverse events
1
2