GLP-1 Research Peptides in Canada
An overview of the incretin and amylin research peptides: retatrutide, tirzepatide, semaglutide and cagrilintide. It covers how they differ by receptor target and structure, how researchers handle them, and how to verify quality before a study.
FOR RESEARCH USE ONLY · NOT FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTIONThe compounds
Incretin research has moved from single-receptor agonists to peptides that engage two or three receptors at once. The four compounds below are the main reference points in current metabolic and receptor-pharmacology research.
Triple agonist
Retatrutide
GIP + GLP-1 + glucagonLY3437943. One peptide engineered to act on three receptors. Studied as the next step beyond dual agonists.
View Retatrutide →
Dual agonist
Tirzepatide
GIP + GLP-1LY3298176. The first dual incretin agonist. It is the standard reference compound for GIP and GLP-1 co-agonism.
View Tirzepatide →
Single agonist
Semaglutide
GLP-1The benchmark long-acting GLP-1 analogue. A fatty-acid side chain binds albumin to extend its half-life.
View Semaglutide →
Amylin analogue
Cagrilintide
Amylin / calcitonin receptorsA long-acting amylin analogue. Studied alone and alongside semaglutide (the "CagriSema" pairing).
View Cagrilintide →Side-by-side comparison
| Compound | Class | Receptor targets | Development code | Approx. MW (g/mol) | Reported half-life* |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Semaglutide | Single agonist, acylated GLP-1 analogue | GLP-1R | NN9535 | ~4,114 | ~7 days |
| Tirzepatide | Dual agonist (39-aa, acylated) | GIPR + GLP-1R | LY3298176 | ~4,813 | ~5 days |
| Retatrutide | Triple agonist (39-aa, acylated) | GIPR + GLP-1R + GCGR | LY3437943 | ~4,731 | ~6 days |
| Cagrilintide | Long-acting amylin analogue | Amylin / calcitonin receptors | NN9838 | ~4,409 | ~7–8 days |
*Approximate figures from published pharmacokinetic literature. Provided for reference in study design only.
The receptor biology in brief
GLP-1 receptor. Glucagon-like peptide-1 is an incretin hormone released from the gut. Its receptor is a class B G-protein-coupled receptor studied for its role in glucose-dependent insulin secretion, gastric emptying and central appetite signalling. Semaglutide is the reference single agonist.
GIP receptor. Glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide is the second incretin. Tirzepatide made GIP and GLP-1 co-agonism a major research theme, and researchers are still studying how the two pathways interact.
Glucagon receptor. Retatrutide adds glucagon-receptor activity, which is studied for its effects on hepatic metabolism and energy expenditure. That third target is what separates a triple agonist from a dual agonist.
Amylin pathway. Amylin is co-secreted with insulin. Cagrilintide targets amylin and calcitonin receptors, which is why it is often studied in combination with a GLP-1 agonist rather than as a substitute for one.
Go deeper: GLP-1, GIP and glucagon receptors explained · single, dual and triple agonists.
Handling & storage in the lab
- Supplied lyophilized. Freeze-dried powder is the stable form for storage and transport.
- Before reconstitution: store at −20 °C, protected from light and moisture.
- Reconstitution: typically with bacteriostatic water, using a gentle swirl rather than shaking. See our GLP-1 reconstitution guide and concentration math.
- After reconstitution: refrigerate at 2–8 °C and avoid repeated freeze–thaw cycles.
How quality is verified
Purity matters for reproducible results. Every batch we supply is tested by HPLC with a ≥99% purity target and identity-confirmed by mass spectrometry. A Certificate of Analysis is available for each batch on the product page. New to COAs? Read how to read a COA and what HPLC 99% means.
Status in Canada
Semaglutide and tirzepatide are also the active ingredients in branded prescription medications. Retatrutide and cagrilintide remain investigational. The products on this site are not those medications. They are research-grade reference materials sold to researchers for laboratory and in-vitro use only. They are not for human or veterinary use and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any condition. For background, see peptides and the law in Canada and what "research use only" means.
Frequently asked questions
What is a GLP-1 research peptide?
It is a peptide that activates the glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor, either alone or together with related receptors such as GIP and glucagon. Research-grade versions are supplied as lyophilized powder for laboratory and in-vitro study.
What is the difference between semaglutide, tirzepatide and retatrutide?
Receptor coverage. Semaglutide activates the GLP-1 receptor only. Tirzepatide activates GIP and GLP-1 receptors. Retatrutide activates GIP, GLP-1 and glucagon receptors.
Where does cagrilintide fit?
Cagrilintide is not an incretin. It is a long-acting analogue of amylin, a separate pancreatic hormone. It is often researched alongside GLP-1 agonists because the two pathways are complementary.
Are these the same as Ozempic or Mounjaro?
No. Branded medications are finished, regulated pharmaceutical products dispensed by prescription. The peptides on this site are research-grade reference materials for laboratory use only. They are not medications and are not for human or veterinary use.
Can I buy GLP-1 research peptides in Canada?
Yes, as research reagents. 94 Supreme Peptides supplies retatrutide, tirzepatide, semaglutide and cagrilintide from Canada. Every product is sold strictly for research use only, not for human consumption.
How should GLP-1 research peptides be stored?
Store lyophilized vials frozen (−20 °C) and protected from light. After reconstitution, keep them refrigerated at 2–8 °C and avoid repeated freeze–thaw cycles.
How is purity verified?
Each batch is tested by HPLC (≥99% target purity) and identity-confirmed by mass spectrometry, with a Certificate of Analysis available per batch.