Research Guide — Canada
GLP-1 Peptides in Canada: Incretin Research Guide
Research use only. This guide covers the main classes of GLP-1 receptor agonists and incretin-based research compounds available for laboratory use in Canada.
What Are GLP-1 Peptides?
GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) is a 30-amino-acid incretin hormone secreted by intestinal L-cells in response to food intake. It acts at the GLP-1 receptor (GLP-1R) — a class B GPCR expressed in pancreatic beta cells, hypothalamus, heart, gut, and elsewhere — to modulate insulin secretion, gastric emptying, and satiety signalling. GLP-1 analogues designed for extended half-life have become among the most studied research peptides in contemporary metabolic biology.
GLP-1 Research Compounds Available in Canada
Semaglutide — GLP-1R Monoagonist
C-18 fatty acid conjugated GLP-1 analogue. Half-life ~7 days. The benchmark compound for GLP-1R research — SUSTAIN and STEP trial programmes established a large peer-reviewed dataset. Used to isolate pure GLP-1R pathway effects.
Tirzepatide — Dual GIP/GLP-1R
GIP-scaffold peptide with GLP-1R agonism. First “twincretin.” SURPASS/SURMOUNT clinical programmes. Used to study additive effects of GIPR co-activation on top of GLP-1R — particularly in adipose biology and hypothalamic satiety circuits.
Retatrutide — Triple GLP-1R/GIPR/GCGR
Third-generation triagonist in Phase III trials. Adds glucagon receptor activity to tirzepatide’s dual mechanism. Enables research into the additive hepatic and thermogenic contribution of GCGR agonism in metabolic biology.
Cagrilintide — Amylin Analogue
Long-acting amylin analogue targeting CALCR/RAMP receptors — distinct from GLP-1R. When combined with semaglutide (CagriSema), studied for complementary hypothalamic satiety effects via two independent receptor pathways.
The Three Generations: A Research Ladder
The progression from semaglutide → tirzepatide → retatrutide represents a deliberate escalation in receptor targeting, enabling researchers to isolate the contribution of each receptor system. Comparing cell or animal responses across the three compounds allows mechanistic dissection of GLP-1R vs GIPR vs GCGR contributions — the research equivalent of a controlled subtract-and-add experiment across receptor pathways.
Related: Sema vs Tirze vs Reta | All Metabolic Peptides | Buy Research Peptides Canada
All compounds for qualified in vitro laboratory research only. Not for human administration. Research use only.