GLP-1 Peptides

A class of peptide compounds that activate the glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R). Includes native GLP-1 (half-life ~2 min) and pharmaceutical analogues engineered for longer duration: exenatide (~2.4h), liraglutide (~13h), semaglutide (~7 days), and dulaglutide (~5 days). GLP-1 peptides slow gastric emptying, stimulate glucose-dependent insulin secretion, suppress glucagon, and reduce appetite via hypothalamic and brainstem GLP-1 receptors. Central to modern type 2 diabetes and obesity pharmacotherapy.