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Metabolic & Weight
Extensively Studied

GLP-3

GLP3

Triple-agonist incretin research peptide.

Also known as: LY3437943, Triple-G

Research dose range0.5–12 mg weekly (research models)
Route studiedSubcutaneous
Study durationContinuous, multi-week studies
Storage2–8 °C reconstituted

Overview

GLP-3 is a triple-receptor agonist targeting GIP, GLP-1, and glucagon receptors, studied in advanced metabolic and energy-balance research.

Key research findings

Phase II research reported the largest weight reductions observed for an incretin agent to date — up to ~24% mean body-weight change at the highest amounts studied over 48 weeks — alongside improvements in glycemic and hepatic-fat markers. Triple-receptor activation is hypothesized to add glucagon-driven energy expenditure on top of GLP-1/GIP appetite and insulin effects.

Mechanism of action

Simultaneously activates GIP, GLP-1, and glucagon receptors, combining insulin response, appetite modulation, and energy expenditure.

Molecular information

Weight4,731.33 Da
Length39 amino acids
TypeTriple GIP/GLP-1/glucagon agonist
Amino-acid sequenceC20 fatty-diacid-conjugated 39-residue peptide backbone (Lilly LY3437943).

C20 diacid conjugation extends albumin binding for once-weekly kinetics.

Pharmacokinetics

Peak: ~24 hoursHalf-life: ~6 daysCleared: ~30 days
Peak · 1dHalf-life · 8d

Illustrative relative-concentration model derived from published pharmacokinetic research. Curve is normalized and provided for educational comparison only — not a dosing schedule.

Research applications

  • Triple-incretin metabolic research
  • Energy-balance studies
  • Glucose- and lipid-metabolism investigations

Research protocols

Protocols summarized from published research models. Provided for scientific reference only — not dosing guidance for human use.

Conservative starting referenceAmount: 0.5 mgFrequency: Once weeklyRoute: Subcutaneous
Low maintenance referenceAmount: 1–2 mgFrequency: Once weeklyRoute: Subcutaneous
Standard escalation referenceAmount: 4 mgFrequency: Once weeklyRoute: Subcutaneous
High-range study armAmount: 8–12 mgFrequency: Once weeklyRoute: Subcutaneous

Observed effects timeline

Aggregated observations reported across research literature. Timing and magnitude vary by model and are not a guarantee of outcome.

  1. Week 1–2

    Initial appetite modulation and mild GI adaptation reported as triple-receptor signaling begins.

  2. Week 4–8

    Steady reductions in food intake and early weight change (≈2–10%) reported in study cohorts.

  3. Week 16–24

    Substantial weight change (≈15–22%) with improved glucose and hepatic-fat markers reported.

  4. Week 24–48

    Maximum observed effect (≈20–24%) with continued metabolic improvements reported.

Research compatibility

Describes how compounds are studied alongside one another in the literature. Not a recommendation to co-administer.

Tirzepatide

Stacking two multi-receptor incretin agonists compounds appetite suppression and GI burden with unpredictable hormonal overlap — studied as alternatives, never together.

Avoid combination

GLP-1

Overlapping incretin signaling is redundant — the two are evaluated as separate research arms, not in combination.

Avoid combination

Other GLP-1 agonists

Adding a separate GLP-1 agonist duplicates receptor activation already covered by the triple agonist, raising the risk of excessive glucose-lowering and side effects.

Avoid combination

Cagrilintide

Both drive significant gastric and nausea effects; the amylin + triple-agonist mechanisms differ but the additive GI load is substantial and only advisable under close research supervision.

Use caution

Oral contraceptives

Delayed gastric emptying can blunt absorption — separate oral contraceptive dosing by roughly an hour ahead of injection in study designs.

Requires timing

Insulin

Improved glucose control can sharply lower insulin requirements — track blood glucose closely and adjust accordingly in metabolic studies.

Monitor

Warfarin

Rapid weight change can shift anticoagulation needs — INR warrants more frequent monitoring during active research.

Monitor

Metformin

Complementary glucose-lowering through distinct mechanisms; co-administration showed no significant interaction in trial cohorts.

Compatible

SGLT2 inhibitors

Trial participants on SGLT2 inhibitors showed no safety signals — the glucose-handling mechanisms are complementary.

Compatible

MOTS-c

Distinct mitochondrial-metabolism pathway; studied alongside incretin agents in metabolic-research contexts.

Compatible

BPC-157

Separate therapeutic targets — tissue-repair growth-factor signaling versus metabolic hormone receptors; may offer GI-protective benefit during use.

Compatible

NAD+

Different cellular systems — hormone-receptor signaling versus cellular-energy and DNA-repair pathways; may support metabolic adaptation during weight change.

Compatible

How to reconstitute

Important

Use bacteriostatic water only; avoid saline, which may cause cloudiness. Refrigerate reconstituted solution and use within ~28 days (often 1–3 months if it stays clear).

  1. 1Allow the lyophilized vial to reach room temperature (15–20 minutes).
  2. 2Swab the vial stopper with alcohol and let it air dry.
  3. 3Add the calculated bacteriostatic water slowly down the vial wall to minimize foaming.
  4. 4Swirl gently — do not shake — until fully dissolved into a clear, colorless solution.
  5. 5Store refrigerated at 2–8 °C and protect from light.
Open reconstitution calculator

Quality indicators

Uniform white powder

Lyophilized peptide should appear as a white to off-white cake with no discoloration.

Clear reconstituted solution

Properly reconstituted material forms a clear, colorless, particle-free solution.

Cold-chain integrity

Reconstituted solution requires consistent 2–8 °C storage.

Slight clumping

Small clumps that dissolve completely with gentle swirling are acceptable — shipping can cause minor compaction.

Collapsed or melted appearance

Powder that looks collapsed, melted, or stuck to the vial walls may have been exposed to heat in transit.

Cloudy after reconstitution

Persistent cloudiness, particles, or precipitate after gentle mixing can indicate a degraded or contaminated peptide.

Reported observations & safety

Safety signals reported in the research literature. Compiled for scientific awareness — not medical advice.

  • Gastrointestinal effects (nausea, reduced appetite) are the most commonly reported signals in studies and are dose-dependent.
  • Heart-rate increases have been noted in some research cohorts.
  • Rapid changes warrant conservative escalation in study designs.

References & further reading

Retatrutide Phase 2 Obesity Trial (NEJM, 2023)

Humann=338up to ~24% weight change

Randomized Phase 2 trial of the GIP/GLP-1/glucagon triple agonist reporting dose-dependent body-weight reductions over 48 weeks.

View study

Triple-hormone receptor pharmacology review

Reviewmechanismincretin biology

Overview of how simultaneous GIP, GLP-1, and glucagon activation differs from dual and single agonists in metabolic research.

Topics

gipglp-1glucagontriple agonist

This entry is provided for educational and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, a dosing protocol, or a claim of therapeutic benefit. Research compounds are supplied strictly for laboratory and research use — not for human or veterinary consumption.

Research level
Extensively Studied

Large body of preclinical and clinical literature.

Quick reference
Dose range0.5–12 mg weekly (research models)
RouteSubcutaneous
DurationContinuous, multi-week studies
Storage2–8 °C reconstituted
Half-life~6 days
Available at Reviva

GLP-3 is stocked as a research-grade compound, ≥99% by HPLC, third-party verified.

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