Compound comparison
Retatrutide vs Tirzepatide
Both are synthetic incretin-class peptides studied as reference materials in metabolic and receptor-signaling research. The headline difference is how many receptors each targets — tirzepatide is a dual GIP/GLP-1 agonist, while retatrutide adds a third (glucagon) receptor. Supplied for laboratory research use only; not for human or veterinary use.
| Retatrutide | Tirzepatide | |
|---|---|---|
| Compound class | Triple receptor agonist | Dual receptor agonist |
| Receptor targets | GLP-1 · GIP · glucagon (GCGR) | GIP · GLP-1 |
| Developer code | LY3437943 | LY3298176 |
| Molecular formula | C221H342N46O68 | C225H348N48O68 |
| Molecular weight | ≈ 4731.33 Da | ≈ 4813.45 Da |
| CAS number | 2381089-83-2 | 2023788-19-2 |
| Primary research area | Multi-receptor metabolic research | Incretin / metabolic research |
| Format at TagPep | 60 mg lyophilized research vial | 60 mg lyophilized research vial |
Molecular data verified against PubChem and published literature. Molecular weights are average values.
Both compounds engage the GIP and GLP-1 receptors. The distinction is the third pathway: retatrutide also acts on the glucagon (GCGR) receptor, which is why it is described as a triple agonist and tirzepatide as a dual agonist. In laboratory research, that added glucagon-receptor activity is the primary variable investigators compare between the two.
Each is an investigational synthetic peptide used as a well-characterized reference material in metabolic, incretin and receptor-signaling research. Identity and reported purity are confirmed by batch-specific analytical documentation. For background see the multi-receptor agonist primer and the research-peptide reference table.
Common questions
What is the difference between retatrutide and tirzepatide?
The defining difference is receptor coverage. Tirzepatide is a dual agonist that engages the GIP and GLP-1 receptors. Retatrutide is a triple agonist that engages GLP-1 and GIP and additionally the glucagon (GCGR) receptor. Both are synthetic incretin-class peptides supplied for laboratory research use only.
Are retatrutide and tirzepatide in the same class?
Both are multi-receptor incretin-based peptides studied in metabolic and receptor-signaling research. Tirzepatide (dual GIP/GLP-1) and retatrutide (triple GLP-1/GIP/glucagon) differ in how many receptor pathways they target, which is the main axis researchers compare.
Can I buy retatrutide and tirzepatide for research?
Yes. TagPep supplies both as lyophilized reference vials (60 mg) with batch-specific analytical documentation, for laboratory research use only — not for human or veterinary use. See the product pages linked above.
Related comparisons
This comparison is factual reference information for laboratory research and educational use. Both compounds are research materials supplied for laboratory research use only — not for human or veterinary use, consumption, injection, administration, diagnosis, or treatment. No dosing or administration guidance is provided or implied.