Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 (GLP-1)
Definition
Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) is a 30-amino acid incretin hormone produced by intestinal L-cells in response to nutrient ingestion. GLP-1 enhances glucose-dependent insulin secretion, suppresses glucagon release, slows gastric emptying, and promotes satiety through central nervous system signaling. The native peptide has a very short half-life of approximately 2 minutes due to rapid degradation by dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4). GLP-1 receptor agonists such as semaglutide and liraglutide have been engineered with structural modifications to resist enzymatic degradation and extend their duration of action.
Related Terms
Related Compounds
Semaglutide
An in-depth review of Semaglutide, a long-acting GLP-1 receptor agonist, covering its mechanism of action, albumin-binding pharmacokinetics, and research applications in metabolic health, weight management, and cardiovascular outcomes.
Read monographTirzepatide
An in-depth review of Tirzepatide, the first dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist ('twincretin'), examining its mechanism of action, superior glycemic and weight loss efficacy, and research applications in metabolic health.
Read monographRelated Studies
Tirzepatide Once Weekly for the Treatment of Obesity
Jastreboff AM, Aronne LJ, Ahmad NN, et al. · New England Journal of Medicine (2022)
Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity
Wilding JPH, Batterham RL, Calanna S, et al. · New England Journal of Medicine (2021)
Efficacy and Safety of Tirzepatide Monotherapy in Type 2 Diabetes (SURPASS-1)
Rosenstock J, Wysham C, Frias JP, et al. · New England Journal of Medicine (2021)
Semaglutide and Cardiovascular Outcomes in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes
Marso SP, Bain SC, Consoli A, et al. · New England Journal of Medicine (2016)