Introduction
While GLP-1 receptor agonists such as Semaglutide, Tirzepatide, and Retatrutide have dominated metabolic research in recent years, a broader landscape of peptides is under active investigation for weight management and body composition. These compounds act through complementary and distinct mechanisms — from amylin receptor agonism and glucagon co-activation to direct adipose tissue targeting — offering researchers a diverse toolkit for exploring metabolic biology.
For research and laboratory use only. Not intended for human or veterinary administration.
Key Research Compounds
Cagrilintide
A long-acting amylin analogue designed for once-weekly dosing. Amylin is a peptide co-secreted with insulin from pancreatic beta cells that reduces food intake, slows gastric emptying, and suppresses glucagon. Cagrilintide acts at amylin receptors (AMY1–3) and the calcitonin receptor to produce satiety signalling complementary to GLP-1 pathways. Research has investigated its combination with Semaglutide (CagriSema) for additive effects on body weight reduction in metabolic models.
Survodutide
A dual GLP-1/glucagon receptor agonist. The addition of glucagon receptor agonism to GLP-1 activity is hypothesised to enhance energy expenditure and hepatic fat oxidation beyond what GLP-1 agonism alone achieves. Survodutide has been studied in models of obesity and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), where its hepatoprotective and lipolytic properties are of particular interest.
Mazdutide
A GLP-1/glucagon dual receptor agonist with a distinct molecular structure from Survodutide. Mazdutide has been studied for its effects on body weight, hepatic lipid content, and glycaemic control in metabolic disease models. Research has explored its potential in NAFLD/NASH models alongside its metabolic effects.
Adipotide (FTPP)
A pro-apoptotic peptide that selectively targets the vasculature supplying white adipose tissue. Adipotide consists of a targeting sequence (CKGGRAKDC) that homes to receptors on adipose blood vessels, linked to a pro-apoptotic domain (KLAKLAK)2. By inducing apoptosis in adipose vasculature, Adipotide causes selective reduction of white fat depots in preclinical models. Research has demonstrated significant reductions in body weight and visceral fat in rodent and primate models, representing a mechanistically unique approach to adipose tissue targeting.
HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin)
A glycoprotein hormone that acts on LH receptors. In the context of metabolic research, HCG has been investigated for its role in hormonal support during caloric restriction protocols and its effects on fat mobilisation. Research applications also include reproductive endocrinology, testosterone production models, and investigation of the HPG axis.
EPO (Erythropoietin)
A glycoprotein hormone primarily known for its role in erythropoiesis. Beyond red blood cell production, EPO has been studied for its tissue-protective properties via the innate repair receptor, with research exploring effects on muscle metabolism, mitochondrial function, and exercise capacity in preclinical models.
The Multi-Receptor Approach
A key trend in metabolic peptide research is the move towards multi-receptor agonism. Single GLP-1 agonism produces significant effects on appetite and glycaemia, but the addition of GIP, glucagon, and amylin receptor activity appears to produce additive or synergistic effects on energy expenditure, hepatic metabolism, and body composition. Compounds such as Retatrutide (triple agonist) and CagriSema (GLP-1 + amylin) represent the frontier of this approach.
Research Applications
- Obesity and body composition models
- NAFLD/NASH and hepatic lipid metabolism research
- Amylin receptor pharmacology and satiety signalling
- Adipose tissue biology and vascular targeting
- Multi-receptor agonism and synergistic metabolic effects
- Hormonal support and HPG axis research
Storage and Handling
Store lyophilised metabolic peptides at −20°C. Reconstitute with bacteriostatic water. Once reconstituted, store at 2–8°C and use within 28 days. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles and protect from light.
All products supplied by Vanta Labs are intended strictly for laboratory and research purposes.