The incretin class of peptides has generated more mainstream attention than perhaps any other category of research compounds in the past decade. Semaglutide, tirzepatide, and retatrutide — representing mono-agonist, dual-agonist, and triple-agonist approaches respectively — have been studied extensively in clinical trials focused on metabolic function and body composition. This article provides a factual overview of all three compounds, their mechanisms, and how they compare

The incretin peptide class has evolved rapidly. In the span of a few years, metabolic peptide research has progressed from single-receptor compounds to dual-receptor and now triple-receptor agonists. Semaglutide, tirzepatide, and retatrutide represent three generations of this progression — each building on the pharmacological foundation of the last. This article compares all three compounds across their receptor pharmacology, clinical data, and research implications. The Cor