Integrated Wellness · Research education
Compare the science.
Put two to four molecules side by side. Similar goals do not mean similar mechanisms, evidence or risks.
Choose your molecules
4 of 4 selected · Choose at least 2
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| Research dimension | Semaglutide Human outcomes | Tirzepatide Human outcomes | Retatrutide Human research | Cagrilintide Human research |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biological classification | GLP-1 receptor agonist | Dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist | Investigational triple-receptor agonist | Long-acting amylin analog |
| Mechanism & pathway | Activates GLP-1 receptors, affecting glucose-dependent insulin release, glucagon regulation, appetite and gastric emptying. Clinical outcomes must be evaluated separately for each studied population. | Activates GIP and GLP-1 receptors, influencing glucose-dependent insulin secretion, appetite and gastric emptying. Mechanistic overlap with other drugs does not justify unsupervised combination use. | Activates GIP, GLP-1 and glucagon receptors. Trials investigate combined effects on appetite, glucose regulation and energy metabolism in defined populations. | An amylin analog that acts through amylin receptor complexes involved in satiety and gastric emptying. |
| Investigated applications | Glycemic, weight and cardiovascular outcomes in defined patient groups. | Glycemic and weight outcomes and other labeled disease-specific outcomes. | Body-weight and metabolic outcomes in controlled trials. | Appetite regulation and body-weight outcomes in controlled studies. |
| Evidence quality | Human outcomes | Human outcomes | Human research | Human research |
| What remains uncertain | Randomized trials establish specific outcomes in selected populations. They do not validate unapproved formulations, every proposed use or self-treatment. | Phase 3 trials support specific indications and populations. Drug interactions and individual eligibility still require licensed clinical assessment. | The cited phase 2 trial supports further investigation; a published trial is not FDA approval. | The cited dose-finding phase 2 trial does not establish approval or suitability for an individual. |
| Safety considerations | Label warnings include thyroid C-cell tumors observed in rodents (human relevance unknown), pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, severe GI effects and dehydration-related kidney injury. Contraindicated with personal/family MTC or MEN2 or serious hypersensitivity. Weight-loss use is inappropriate in pregnancy. | Label warnings include thyroid C-cell tumors in rodents (human relevance unknown), GI effects, pancreatitis, gallbladder disease and dehydration-related kidney injury. Contraindicated with MTC/MEN2 or serious hypersensitivity. Oral contraceptive effectiveness can be affected; weight-loss use is inappropriate in pregnancy. | Gastrointestinal adverse effects and increased heart rate have been reported in trials. Long-term benefit–risk and use outside trial protocols remain uncertain. | Nausea and other gastrointestinal effects occur in trials. Long-term safety and interactions outside studied protocols remain uncertain. |
| Regulatory classification | FDA-approved products · specific indicationsOzempic, Rybelsus and Wegovy have product-specific FDA approvals. Indications and eligible populations differ; consult the current label. Approval does not extend to research preparations. | FDA-approved products · specific indicationsMounjaro and Zepbound have product-specific FDA approvals. Indications and eligible populations differ; approval does not extend to research preparations. | Not FDA-approvedNo FDA-approved finished drug for this molecule is identified in this edition. Investigational use, published research or compounding does not establish FDA approval. | Not FDA-approvedNo FDA-approved finished drug for this molecule is identified in this edition. Investigational use, published research or compounding does not establish FDA approval. |
Comparing molecules is not a recommendation to combine them. Clinical evidence for one product or indication cannot establish another’s safety or effectiveness. Open each profile for study types, source links and important evidence limitations.