What does GLP-1, GIP and glucagon actually mean on the label?

Answer

They are the receptors the compound acts on. One receptor, two, or three — and the count is the main thing separating the compounds in this class from each other.

In more detail

Semaglutide and liraglutide act at the GLP-1 receptor. Tirzepatide acts at GLP-1 and GIP. Retatrutide adds a glucagon arm, making three. Survodutide and mazdutide pair GLP-1 with glucagon. Cagrilintide is not in this family at all — it is an amylin analogue, a separate signaling pathway that has been studied in combination with an incretin (for example in CagriSema trials). More receptors is not automatically more of what you wanted; it is more of everything the compound does, which is why the investigational triple-agonist trials started participants below their target dose.

Source

Approved labeling and published trial programs for each compound.

Educational use only, never medical advice. No doses.