GLP-3: Compound Profile

GLP-3 is the triple-agonist member of the metabolic peptide class. This profile covers what it targets, what the incretin literature studies, and how it sits relative to the amylin analogs studied in the same research area. For the receptor mechanics in full, the incretin triple agonism explainer is the companion piece; for the class, see the metabolic peptides overview.

What is GLP-3?#

GLP-3 is this catalog's designation for a synthetic peptide that acts as an agonist at three receptors simultaneously: the GLP-1, GIP, and glucagon receptors. Each receptor sits on a different arm of glucose and energy metabolism, so engaging all three is studied as a way to probe combined incretin signaling rather than a single pathway. Triple agonism of this kind is one of the more active frontiers in incretin pharmacology.

What does the research literature study?#

The research value of a triple agonist is that each receptor it engages governs a separate process. The GLP-1 arm is studied for glucose-dependent insulin signaling and central satiety pathways, the GIP arm for insulin signaling and adipose handling, and the glucagon arm for hepatic glucose output and energy expenditure. Combining the three is studied because the signals are complementary, a point developed in the triple agonism explainer. This is pharmacology and preclinical research, not evidence of effects in people.

How it relates to the other metabolic peptides#

GLP-3 acts on the incretin receptors. The other receptor agonist in the class, the amylin analog Cagrilintide, acts on amylin and calcitonin receptors instead, a separate system. The two are studied in overlapping energy-balance research but are mechanistically unrelated, which is why the literature sometimes examines them in combination. The class overview maps where each fits.

Handling and storage#

GLP-3 ships as a lyophilized powder for reconstitution. As a long-acting agonist it is comparatively robust, but storage follows the standard catalog practice: the reconstitution primer covers solvent choice, and the cold-chain article covers stability once reconstituted.

Sources and further reading#

• Coskun et al., LY3437943 — a triple GLP-1/GIP/glucagon receptor agonist, Cell Metabolism 202200312-6): foundational pharmacology of an incretin triple agonist, characterizing activity at all three receptors.