Retatrutide vs Semaglutide: Mechanism and Cost per mg
Retatrutide and semaglutide sit at opposite ends of the incretin research class: one engages three receptors, the other engages one.
| Retatrutide | Semaglutide | |
|---|---|---|
| Receptor targets | GIP + GLP-1 + glucagon | GLP-1 only |
| Class | Triple receptor agonist | Single-target GLP-1 agonist |
| Distinguishing arms | Adds GIP and glucagon receptors | GLP-1 baseline |
| Role in the class | The multi-agonist endpoint | The single-target anchor |
Semaglutide acts on a single incretin receptor, GLP-1. Retatrutide acts on three in one molecule, adding the GIP and glucagon receptors, which makes it a triple agonist rather than a more potent GLP-1 compound.
Semaglutide is the single-target baseline the whole class is measured against. Retatrutide is the furthest point along the same design progression, so the two are best understood by receptor count, not as a ranking.
The class reads as a progression: semaglutide (GLP-1) → tirzepatide (GIP + GLP-1) → retatrutide (GIP + GLP-1 + glucagon).
This compares molecular mechanism and receptor class from the published literature only, not efficacy, potency, or outcomes. All Boulder Labs products are for laboratory research use only. Not for human consumption.
Common questions
What is the difference between retatrutide and semaglutide?
Semaglutide is a single-target GLP-1 receptor agonist. Retatrutide is a triple agonist that also activates the GIP and glucagon receptors. The two added receptor arms are the defining pharmacological difference.
How much do retatrutide and semaglutide cost?
Both are priced by the milligram. The live cost per mg for each is shown above and on each product page, so you can compare the real per-mg cost directly.