§ Research database

Mechanism, trial
data, references.

Compound profiles for laboratory researchers. Sourced from primary literature. Updated as trial data publishes.

§ GLP-1 agonist

Semaglutide.

Class
GLP-1 receptor agonist
MW
4,113.58 Da
Half-life
~165 hours (~7 days)
Sequence length
31 amino acids
Route (research)
Subcutaneous
Storage
Lyophilized: room temp
Reconstituted: 2-8°C

Mechanism. Long-acting GLP-1 receptor agonist. Mimics endogenous glucagon-like peptide-1 to enhance glucose-dependent insulin secretion, suppress glucagon, slow gastric emptying, and reduce appetite via hypothalamic POMC pathway activation.

Trial data

  • STEP-1 (NEJM 2021) — 68-week RCT, n=1,961 adults with overweight/obesity. Mean weight loss 14.9% with semaglutide 2.4mg weekly vs 2.4% placebo.
  • STEP-3 (JAMA 2021) — semaglutide + intensive behavioral therapy = 16.0% weight reduction.
  • SUSTAIN-6 — significant cardiovascular risk reduction in T2D patients.
  • SELECT (2023) — 20% reduction in MACE in adults with established CV disease.
References: Wilding JP et al. NEJM 2021;384:989. Wadden TA et al. JAMA 2021;325:1403. Marso SP et al. NEJM 2016;375:1834.
§ Dual GIP/GLP-1 agonist

Tirzepatide.

Class
Dual GIP & GLP-1 agonist
MW
4,813.45 Da
Half-life
~120 hours (~5 days)
Sequence length
39 amino acids
Route (research)
Subcutaneous
Storage
Lyophilized: room temp
Reconstituted: 2-8°C

Mechanism. Single-molecule dual agonist activating both GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) and GLP-1 receptors. Additive incretin signaling produces greater insulinotropic response and weight reduction than GLP-1 agonism alone.

Trial data

  • SURMOUNT-1 (NEJM 2022) — 72-week RCT, n=2,539 adults without diabetes. Mean weight loss 20.9% at 15mg vs 3.1% placebo.
  • SURMOUNT-2 — 15.7% weight reduction in T2D patients (vs 3.3% placebo).
  • SURPASS series — superior glycaemic control vs semaglutide head-to-head.
References: Jastreboff AM et al. NEJM 2022;387:205. Garvey WT et al. Lancet 2023;402:613.
§ Triple agonist

Retatrutide.

Class
GIP / GLP-1 / Glucagon triple agonist
MW
~4,731 Da
Half-life
~6 days
Trial phase
Phase 2/3 ongoing
Route (research)
Subcutaneous
Storage
Lyophilized: room temp

Mechanism. Adds glucagon receptor agonism to dual incretin signaling. Glucagon co-agonism increases hepatic and adipose energy expenditure, complementing appetite suppression for amplified weight loss.

Trial data

  • Phase 2 (NEJM 2023) — 48-week RCT in 338 adults. Mean weight loss 24.2% at 12mg.
  • Highest weight reduction of any incretin-class agent to date.
  • Phase 3 TRIUMPH trials ongoing.
References: Jastreboff AM et al. NEJM 2023;389:514.
§ Amylin analogue

Cagrilintide.

Class
Long-acting amylin analogue
MW
~3,893 Da
Half-life
~7 days
Used with
Semaglutide (CagriSema)

Mechanism. Selective amylin receptor agonist. Amylin is co-secreted with insulin and modulates satiety, gastric emptying, and glucagon. Combined with GLP-1 agonism (CagriSema), produces additive weight-loss effects in clinical trials.

References: Lau DCW et al. Lancet 2021;398:2160 (CagriSema phase 2).
§ Gastric pentadecapeptide

BPC-157.

Class
Synthetic pentadecapeptide
MW
1,419.55 Da
Sequence length
15 amino acids
Origin
Derived from human gastric juice protein

Mechanism. Stable gastric pentadecapeptide that has demonstrated cytoprotective, angiogenic, and reparative effects in preclinical models. Modulates nitric oxide signaling, VEGF expression, and growth-factor pathways. Mostly studied in animal models for tendon/ligament repair, gut mucosal healing, and post-surgical recovery.

Note: No human RCTs have been published as of 2026. All available data is preclinical.

§ Thymosin Beta-4 fragment

TB-500.

Class
Synthetic Thymosin Beta-4 fragment
MW
4,963.44 Da
Sequence
17-23 aa active fragment

Mechanism. Synthetic version of the active site region of Thymosin Beta-4, a naturally occurring 43-amino-acid peptide. Binds G-actin to regulate actin polymerization. Preclinical research suggests roles in wound healing, vascular endothelial cell proliferation, and tissue regeneration.

§ Copper-binding tripeptide

GHK-Cu.

Class
Copper-binding tripeptide
MW
340.39 Da
Sequence
Glycyl-L-Histidyl-L-Lysine + Cu(II)

Mechanism. Naturally occurring tripeptide with high affinity for copper(II). Modulates collagen synthesis, glycosaminoglycan production, ECM remodeling, and anti-oxidant pathways. Extensively studied in dermatology research for skin regeneration.

§ Recombinant peptide hormone

HGH (somatropin).

Class
Recombinant human growth hormone
MW
~22,125 Da
Sequence length
191 amino acids
Storage
Strictly 2-8°C after reconstitution

Mechanism. Recombinant 191-amino-acid polypeptide identical to endogenous human growth hormone. Binds GH receptor on hepatocytes and peripheral tissues to stimulate IGF-1 production, lipolysis, and protein anabolism. Established therapeutic use in growth hormone deficiency.