GLP-1 Peptide Development Timeline

Last updated July 2, 2026 · Medically reviewed by David Chen, MD, PhD

Today's GLP-1 peptides did not appear overnight. They are the product of decades of incretin science — from the discovery of the gut hormones that signal fullness, through the first GLP-1 agonists, to the dual- and triple-receptor agonists in trials now. The interactive timeline below charts that progression.

Exenatide
First GLP-1 (Diabetes)
Liraglutide
Daily GLP-1 (Diabetes)
Liraglutide
First GLP-1 (Obesity)
Semaglutide
Weekly GLP-1 (Diabetes)
Semaglutide
Weekly GLP-1 (Obesity)
Tirzepatide
Dual Agonist (Diabetes)
Tirzepatide
Dual Agonist (Obesity)
Retatrutide
Triple Agonist (Phase 2)
Retatrutide
Triple Agonist (Phase 3)
Use in biohacker culture
Use in Hollywood
Use in mainstream culture

Why the trajectory matters

Each generation added receptors and, with them, effect: GLP-1 alone, then GLP-1 + GIP, then GLP-1 + GIP + glucagon. Understanding that arc is the fastest way to make sense of why the newest compounds outperform the older ones. See the mechanism in how GLP-1 peptides work or the head-to-head numbers in the compound comparison.

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