Comprehensive side-by-side comparisons of research peptides and substances. Understand the differences, similarities, and optimal use cases for informed research decisions.
GLP-1 Receptor Agonist
Semaglutide is marketed as Ozempic (for type 2 diabetes) and Wegovy (for weight management). It's a selective GLP-1 receptor agonist that has become one of the most popular weight loss medications globally due to proven efficacy and safety.
Selective GLP-1 receptor agonist that mimics the incretin hormone glucagon-like peptide-1. Enhances glucose-dependent insulin secretion, suppresses glucagon release, slows gastric emptying significantly, and reduces appetite through central nervous system effects on satiety centers in the hypothalamus.
Triple GIP/GLP-1/Glucagon Receptor Agonist
Next-generation triple agonist currently in Phase 3 clinical trials. Retatrutide adds glucagon receptor activation to GLP-1 and GIP mechanisms, creating the most comprehensive metabolic intervention available in research.
Triple-action mechanism: (1) GLP-1 activation for appetite suppression and glucose control, (2) GIP activation for enhanced insulin sensitivity and fat metabolism, (3) Glucagon activation for increased energy expenditure and fat oxidation. The glucagon component is revolutionary—it boosts metabolic rate while the other pathways control appetite.
Semaglutide (Ozempic/Wegovy) delivers proven 15-17% weight loss with FDA approval and years of safety data—it's the gold standard for clinical use today. Retatrutide shows superior 24-28% weight loss (40-60% more than semaglutide) through its unique triple-agonist mechanism, particularly glucagon activation which increases metabolic rate. However, Retatrutide is investigational only. For current treatment, semaglutide is the clear choice. For cutting-edge research, Retatrutide represents the future.
Dual GIP/GLP-1 Receptor Agonist
Tirzepatide is marketed as Mounjaro (for type 2 diabetes) and Zepbound (for weight management). It's the first dual GIP/GLP-1 agonist, representing a significant advancement over single GLP-1 agonists like semaglutide.
Dual-action mechanism activating both GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) and GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptors. GLP-1 provides appetite suppression and glucose control, while GIP enhances insulin sensitivity, promotes fat metabolism, and provides additional metabolic benefits. The combination produces superior weight loss compared to GLP-1 alone.
Triple GIP/GLP-1/Glucagon Receptor Agonist
Investigational triple agonist that takes tirzepatide's dual mechanism and adds glucagon receptor activation. This creates the most comprehensive metabolic intervention by addressing appetite, insulin sensitivity, AND energy expenditure simultaneously.
Triple-action: (1) GLP-1 for appetite/glucose control, (2) GIP for insulin sensitivity/fat metabolism, (3) Glucagon for increased energy expenditure and fat oxidation. The glucagon component is the key differentiator—it actively increases metabolic rate and thermogenesis, creating a dual approach: reduce calories in (GLP-1) AND increase calories out (glucagon).
Tirzepatide (Mounjaro/Zepbound) delivers impressive 20-22% weight loss through dual GIP/GLP-1 activation—currently the most effective FDA-approved weight loss medication. Retatrutide shows even greater 24-28% weight loss by adding glucagon receptor activation, which uniquely increases energy expenditure. The difference: tirzepatide controls appetite and improves metabolism; Retatrutide does both PLUS actively increases calorie burning. However, tirzepatide is FDA-approved and available now, while Retatrutide is investigational.
GLP-1 Receptor Agonist (First Generation)
Liraglutide, marketed as Victoza (diabetes) and Saxenda (weight loss), was one of the first long-acting GLP-1 agonists. While now superseded by newer agents like semaglutide and tirzepatide, it remains a proven and accessible option.
GLP-1 receptor agonist that enhances insulin secretion, suppresses glucagon, slows gastric emptying, and reduces appetite. Shorter half-life than newer GLP-1 agonists, requiring daily administration. Works through the same pathways as semaglutide but with less potency.
Triple GIP/GLP-1/Glucagon Receptor Agonist
Third-generation triple agonist representing a quantum leap beyond first-generation GLP-1 agonists like liraglutide. Adds GIP and glucagon pathways to create comprehensive metabolic intervention.
Triple-action mechanism: GLP-1 (appetite/glucose), GIP (insulin sensitivity/metabolism), Glucagon (energy expenditure/fat oxidation). This multi-pathway approach addresses weight loss through multiple complementary mechanisms rather than GLP-1 alone.
Liraglutide (Saxenda/Victoza) delivers modest 5-10% weight loss and requires daily injections—it's a proven first-generation option but clearly outperformed by newer agents. Retatrutide achieves 24-28% weight loss (3-5X more) with weekly dosing through its revolutionary triple-agonist mechanism. The difference is dramatic: liraglutide is single-pathway GLP-1 only; Retatrutide is multi-pathway with metabolic rate enhancement. Liraglutide is FDA-approved and available; Retatrutide is investigational but represents the future.
GLP-1 Receptor Agonist
Dulaglutide (Trulicity) is a once-weekly GLP-1 agonist primarily used for type 2 diabetes, with modest weight loss effects. It features a unique single-dose pen delivery system for convenience.
GLP-1 receptor agonist that enhances glucose-dependent insulin secretion, suppresses glucagon, slows gastric emptying, and reduces appetite. Similar mechanism to other GLP-1 agonists but with moderate potency between liraglutide and semaglutide.
Triple GIP/GLP-1/Glucagon Receptor Agonist
Next-generation triple agonist that goes far beyond single-pathway GLP-1 agonists like dulaglutide. Combines three complementary mechanisms for superior metabolic effects.
Triple-action: GLP-1 (appetite suppression/glucose control), GIP (insulin sensitivity/fat metabolism), Glucagon (energy expenditure/thermogenesis). The multi-pathway approach creates synergistic effects impossible with GLP-1 alone.
Dulaglutide (Trulicity) provides 5-10% weight loss with convenient weekly dosing and proven cardiovascular benefits—it's a solid FDA-approved option for diabetes with modest weight loss. Retatrutide delivers 24-28% weight loss (3-5X more) through its revolutionary triple-agonist mechanism that includes metabolic rate enhancement. The difference is substantial: dulaglutide is single-pathway; Retatrutide is multi-pathway with energy expenditure boost. Dulaglutide is available now; Retatrutide is investigational.
Synthetic ACTH Analog (Nootropic Peptide)
Russian-developed synthetic peptide derived from ACTH with powerful nootropic and mood-enhancing properties. Unlike traditional antidepressants, Semax enhances cognitive function while improving mood through neuroplasticity mechanisms.
Increases BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor) expression, enhances neuroplasticity, modulates dopamine and serotonin systems without direct receptor binding. Improves cerebral blood flow and oxygen utilization. Provides neuroprotection and promotes neurogenesis. Works through growth factor pathways rather than neurotransmitter reuptake inhibition.
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors
Standard pharmaceutical antidepressants that work by increasing serotonin levels in the brain. SSRIs include fluoxetine (Prozac), sertraline (Zoloft), escitalopram (Lexapro), and others. They're first-line treatment for depression and anxiety disorders.
Block the reuptake of serotonin at the presynaptic neuron, increasing serotonin availability in the synaptic cleft. This enhances serotonergic neurotransmission, which over weeks leads to downstream changes in receptor sensitivity and neural circuit function that improve mood.
SSRIs are proven, FDA-approved treatments for depression and anxiety with decades of evidence—they're the standard of care for moderate to severe depression. However, they cause sexual dysfunction (60-70% of users), weight gain, emotional blunting, and take 4-6 weeks to work. Semax offers rapid mood improvement (days), enhances cognition rather than impairing it, has no sexual or weight side effects, and works through neuroplasticity rather than neurotransmitter manipulation. For severe clinical depression, SSRIs remain first-line. For mood optimization, cognitive enhancement, and stress resilience without side effects, Semax is superior.
Synthetic Anxiolytic Peptide (Tuftsin Analog)
Russian-developed synthetic peptide with powerful anxiolytic effects without sedation, dependence, or cognitive impairment. Represents a revolutionary approach to anxiety management that enhances rather than impairs function.
Modulates GABA, serotonin, and dopamine systems without direct receptor binding. Increases BDNF, enhances enkephalin metabolism, and stabilizes emotional regulation through multiple neurotransmitter pathways. Provides anxiolytic effects while maintaining or enhancing cognitive function. No CNS depression.
GABA-A Receptor Positive Allosteric Modulators
Pharmaceutical anxiolytics including alprazolam (Xanax), diazepam (Valium), lorazepam (Ativan), and others. Benzodiazepines are highly effective for acute anxiety but carry significant risks of dependence, tolerance, and cognitive impairment.
Enhance GABA-A receptor function by increasing the frequency of chloride channel opening. This produces rapid anxiolytic, sedative, muscle relaxant, and anticonvulsant effects through CNS depression. The mechanism provides powerful acute relief but causes tolerance and dependence with regular use.
Benzodiazepines provide rapid, powerful anxiety relief and are essential for acute severe anxiety, panic attacks, or crisis situations. However, they cause sedation, cognitive impairment, tolerance, physical dependence, and dangerous withdrawal. Selank offers comparable anxiolytic effects WITHOUT sedation, impairment, dependence, or withdrawal—while actually enhancing cognitive function. For acute severe anxiety or panic, benzodiazepines are more powerful. For daily anxiety management, stress resilience, and performance optimization, Selank is vastly superior with no addiction risk.
Recombinant Growth Hormone
Synthetic version of naturally occurring human growth hormone (somatropin). HGH is a 191-amino acid peptide hormone that directly replaces endogenous growth hormone.
Direct exogenous administration of growth hormone, bypassing the body's natural production mechanisms. HGH binds to growth hormone receptors throughout the body, stimulating IGF-1 production in the liver and promoting anabolic effects in muscle, bone, and connective tissue.
Growth Hormone Secretagogue Combination
Synergistic combination of CJC-1295 (GHRH analog) and Ipamorelin (GHRP). This stack stimulates the body's natural growth hormone production through two complementary pathways.
Dual-pathway stimulation: CJC-1295 amplifies natural GH pulses by mimicking growth hormone-releasing hormone, while Ipamorelin triggers GH release through ghrelin receptor activation. Together they create larger, more frequent GH pulses while maintaining natural pulsatile patterns.
HGH provides more dramatic and immediate results with higher IGF-1 elevations, making it superior for rapid body composition changes. However, the Muscle Stack (CJC-1295 + Ipamorelin) offers a more physiological approach that maintains natural GH patterns, doesn't suppress endogenous production, has fewer side effects, and costs significantly less. For long-term use and overall health optimization, the peptide stack is often preferred; for maximum anabolic effects, HGH is more powerful.
Benzodiazepine (GABA-A Receptor Modulator)
Classic pharmaceutical anxiolytic medication. Diazepam is a long-acting benzodiazepine that has been used for decades to treat anxiety, muscle spasms, and seizures.
Enhances the effect of GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) at GABA-A receptors by increasing the frequency of chloride channel opening. This produces rapid anxiolytic, sedative, muscle relaxant, and anticonvulsant effects through CNS depression.
Synthetic Anxiolytic Peptide (Tuftsin Analog)
Russian-developed synthetic peptide derived from the immunomodulatory peptide tuftsin. Selank is a heptapeptide with anxiolytic and nootropic properties without sedation or dependence.
Modulates GABA, serotonin, and dopamine systems without direct receptor binding. Increases BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor), enhances enkephalin metabolism, and stabilizes emotional regulation through multiple neurotransmitter pathways. Provides anxiolytic effects while maintaining or enhancing cognitive function.
Diazepam provides more powerful acute anxiety relief and is essential for severe anxiety, panic attacks, or medical situations requiring rapid intervention. However, Selank offers a superior profile for chronic anxiety management: no sedation, no cognitive impairment, no dependence risk, and additional cognitive enhancement. Selank is ideal for daily stress management and performance optimization, while diazepam is better suited for acute, severe anxiety or short-term use.
Body Protection Compound (Gastric Peptide Derivative)
Synthetic peptide derived from a protective protein found in gastric juice. BPC-157 has remarkable healing properties across multiple tissue types with particular efficacy for gut health and tendon/ligament repair.
Promotes angiogenesis through VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) upregulation, enhances fibroblast activity, modulates growth factor expression, and stabilizes cellular junctions. Particularly effective at healing gastrointestinal tissue, tendons, ligaments, and muscle. Also exhibits anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects.
Thymosin Beta-4 Fragment
Synthetic version of Thymosin Beta-4, a naturally occurring peptide present in high concentrations in blood platelets, wound fluid, and other tissues. TB-500 is the active fragment responsible for healing and regeneration.
Promotes cell migration, proliferation, and differentiation through actin regulation. Upregulates actin polymerization, enabling cells to migrate to injury sites. Stimulates angiogenesis, reduces inflammation, and promotes tissue remodeling. Particularly effective for systemic healing and flexibility enhancement.
BPC-157 excels at localized healing, particularly for tendons, ligaments, and gut issues, with faster onset of effects. TB-500 provides superior systemic healing, better flexibility improvements, and longer-lasting effects with less frequent dosing. Many researchers use both together (the "Wolverine Stack") for synergistic healing through complementary mechanisms.
GLP-1 Receptor Agonist
FDA-approved GLP-1 receptor agonist marketed as Ozempic (diabetes) and Wegovy (weight loss). Semaglutide has become one of the most popular weight loss medications due to its efficacy and safety profile.
Selective GLP-1 receptor agonist that mimics the incretin hormone GLP-1. Enhances insulin secretion, suppresses glucagon, slows gastric emptying, and reduces appetite through central nervous system effects. The single-pathway mechanism provides reliable, predictable effects.
Triple GIP/GLP-1/Glucagon Receptor Agonist
Investigational triple agonist representing next-generation metabolic therapy. Retatrutide adds glucagon receptor activation to the GLP-1 mechanism, creating a more comprehensive metabolic intervention.
Triple-action mechanism: GLP-1 for appetite suppression and glucose control, GIP for enhanced insulin sensitivity and metabolic benefits, and glucagon for increased energy expenditure and fat oxidation. The glucagon component is key to superior weight loss by boosting metabolic rate.
Semaglutide is the proven, FDA-approved option with excellent efficacy (15-17% weight loss), established safety, and real-world availability. Retatrutide shows superior weight loss (24-28%) in clinical trials through its unique triple-agonist mechanism, particularly the addition of glucagon receptor activation which increases energy expenditure. However, Retatrutide is still investigational. For current clinical use, Semaglutide is the clear choice; for cutting-edge research, Retatrutide represents the future of metabolic therapy.
Non-Selective Melanocortin Receptor Agonist
Synthetic peptide analog of alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone (α-MSH). Melanotan II activates multiple melanocortin receptors (MC1R, MC3R, MC4R, MC5R), producing tanning, appetite suppression, and sexual effects.
Non-selective activation of melanocortin receptors throughout the body. MC1R activation produces melanogenesis (tanning), MC3R/MC4R activation suppresses appetite and enhances sexual arousal, MC5R affects sebaceous glands. The broad receptor activation creates multiple effects simultaneously.
Selective Melanocortin Receptor Agonist (MC3R/MC4R)
Selective melanocortin receptor agonist developed specifically for sexual dysfunction. PT-141 is a cyclic metabolite of Melanotan II that was FDA-approved as Vyleesi for female hypoactive sexual desire disorder.
Selective activation of MC3R and MC4R receptors in the central nervous system, particularly the hypothalamus. Enhances sexual desire through CNS-mediated pathways rather than vascular mechanisms (unlike Viagra). Does not activate MC1R, so produces no tanning effect.
Melanotan II is ideal for subjects seeking tanning effects along with sexual enhancement and appetite suppression - a multi-purpose peptide. PT-141 is superior for pure sexual enhancement without tanning, offering more potent and selective effects on libido and arousal. PT-141 is FDA-approved for sexual dysfunction and provides more predictable sexual effects. Choose Melanotan II for tanning + sexual benefits; choose PT-141 for maximum sexual enhancement without pigmentation.
Synthetic ACTH Analog (Nootropic Peptide)
Russian-developed synthetic peptide derived from ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone). Semax is a heptapeptide with powerful nootropic, neuroprotective, and cognitive-enhancing properties.
Increases BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor) expression, enhances neuroplasticity, modulates dopamine and serotonin systems, and provides neuroprotection through multiple pathways. Improves cerebral blood flow and oxygen utilization. Enhances attention and memory formation.
Synthetic Tuftsin Analog (Anxiolytic Peptide)
Russian-developed synthetic peptide derived from the immunomodulatory peptide tuftsin. Selank provides anxiolytic effects with cognitive enhancement, representing a unique non-sedating anti-anxiety agent.
Modulates GABA, serotonin, and dopamine systems without direct receptor binding. Increases BDNF, enhances enkephalin metabolism, and stabilizes emotional regulation. Provides anxiolytic effects while maintaining or enhancing cognitive function through multiple neurotransmitter pathways.
Semax is superior for pure cognitive enhancement, focus, memory, and learning - ideal for demanding mental work or studying. Selank excels at anxiety reduction and stress management while maintaining cognitive function - perfect for high-stress situations or chronic anxiety. Many researchers use both together: Semax for cognitive boost and Selank for anxiety control, creating a synergistic nootropic and anxiolytic combination.
All comparisons are provided for educational and research purposes only. These substances are intended for laboratory research and are not for human consumption. Consult qualified healthcare professionals and ensure compliance with all applicable regulations in your jurisdiction. The information provided represents research findings and does not constitute medical advice.