Three identical clear glass vials of white lyophilized powder in a row on a steel laboratory bench, representing a catalog series of research peptides for in vitro use.
Mindful Research

GLP-1, GLP-2, GLP-3: Decoding the SM-GLP1 / T-GLP2 / RT-GLP3 Catalog Series

By: Mindful Research Team2 min read

Key takeaways

  • SM-GLP1 = semaglutide (GLP-1 single agonist).
  • T-GLP2 = tirzepatide (GIP + GLP-1 dual agonist, CAS 2023788-19-2).
  • RT-GLP3 = retatrutide (GLP-1 + GIP + glucagon triple agonist).
  • The label number is a catalog index, not a receptor class.
  • For in vitro research use only.

Referenced in this article

T-GLP2 T-GLP2$92.00 Shop now SM-GLP1 SM-GLP1$42.00 Shop now

SM-GLP1, T-GLP2 and RT-GLP3 are research-catalog labels, not receptor classes: they map to semaglutide (a GLP-1 agonist), tirzepatide (a dual GIP/GLP-1 agonist) and retatrutide (a triple GLP-1/GIP/glucagon agonist) respectively.

What do the GLP-1 / GLP-2 / GLP-3 labels mean?

The “GLP-1 / GLP-2 / GLP-3” series in a research-peptide catalog is a numbering convention for three distinct incretin-mimetic compounds. The number indexes the catalog entry; it does not name a receptor the compound acts on. Only GLP-1 exists as a receptor in this set — “GLP-2” and “GLP-3” as used here are labels, which is why the incretin classes explainer notes there is no “GLP-3” hormone.

How do the labels map to compounds and receptors?

Catalog label Compound Receptor targets (in vitro)
SM-GLP1 Semaglutide GLP-1 receptor (single agonist)
T-GLP2 Tirzepatide GIP + GLP-1 receptors (dual agonist)
RT-GLP3 Retatrutide GLP-1 + GIP + glucagon receptors (triple agonist)

The count in each row — one, two, three receptors — is the useful pattern, not the label number. Each compound has its own profile: semaglutide, the tirzepatide (T-GLP2) identity, and RT-GLP3 (retatrutide).

Why is the naming confusing?

Because “GLP-2” and “GLP-3” are also terms used in hormone biology, the catalog labels can be mistaken for receptor assignments. They are not. For the specific GLP-2 case, see GLP-2 the hormone vs the T-GLP2 catalog label; for the retatrutide case, see is retatrutide a GLP-3.

How do I confirm which compound I have?

Ignore the label and check the CAS number and molecular formula on the listing and COA: semaglutide, tirzepatide (CAS 2023788-19-2, C225H348N48O68) and retatrutide each have distinct identifiers that a mass-spectrometry identity result confirms.

Related research guides

Research-use note

All materials discussed are supplied for in vitro laboratory research use only, and are not for human or animal use.

Frequently asked questions

What do SM-GLP1, T-GLP2 and RT-GLP3 mean?

They are catalog labels for semaglutide, tirzepatide and retatrutide respectively, not receptor classes. Catalog-label decoder

Is there a GLP-2 or GLP-3 receptor behind these labels?

No. Only GLP-1 is a receptor in this set; GLP-2 and GLP-3 here are catalog indices, and tirzepatide targets the GIP and GLP-1 receptors. GLP-2 hormone vs T-GLP2 label

How many receptors does each compound engage?

Semaglutide one (GLP-1), tirzepatide two (GIP + GLP-1), retatrutide three (GLP-1 + GIP + glucagon).

How do I confirm which compound I have?

Check the CAS number and molecular formula on the COA, not the label; tirzepatide is CAS 2023788-19-2 / C225H348N48O68. Tirzepatide identity and structure

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