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PeptideHormone

Glucagon-like peptide-1 vs Exenatide

The incretin that anchors the modern metabolic toolkit. A GLP-1 receptor agonist derived from Gila monster venom (exendin-4). Side by side: type, evidence tier, receptor, molecular weight, and half-life — the same fields as each monograph, rearranged so the engineering difference is visible.

Glucagon-like peptide-1
GLP-1
Exenatide
Also known asByetta, Bydureon
TypeEndogenousAnalog
EvidenceEstablishedEstablished
FamilyIncretins & metabolicIncretins & metabolic
ClassProglucagon-derived peptide (~30–31 aa)GLP-1 receptor agonist (exendin-4, 39 aa)
ReceptorGLP-1 receptor (GLP-1R), a class B GPCRGLP-1 receptor (GLP-1R)
Molecular weight~3,297.7 Da~4,186.6 Da
Half-life
~1–2 min (native; DPP-4 cleaved)
Model dosing
~2.4 h (immediate-release)
Model dosing
Based onNative hormoneGlucagon-like peptide-1

Half-life bars are on a logarithmic scale across the molecules shown. Reference values for the native or representative form — educational only, not medical or dosing advice.

Common questions

What is the difference between Glucagon-like peptide-1 and Exenatide?
Glucagon-like peptide-1 is an endogenous hormone; Exenatide is an engineered analog based on Glucagon-like peptide-1. Glucagon-like peptide-1 signals at GLP-1 receptor (GLP-1R), a class B GPCR; Exenatide signals at GLP-1 receptor (GLP-1R).
How do the half-lives of GLP-1 and Exenatide compare?
The reported circulating half-life of Glucagon-like peptide-1 is ~1–2 min (native; DPP-4 cleaved); Exenatide is ~2.4 h (immediate-release). These are reference values for the native or representative form — educational only, not dosing advice.

Prefer the other order? Exenatide vs Glucagon-like peptide-1. Or open the interactive comparison tool to add more molecules.