GLP-1(7-36) amide vs Exendin-4

Head-to-head comparison of GLP-1(7-36) amide (Glucagon-like peptide-1 (7-36) amide) and Exendin-4 (Exendin-4 (synthetic exenatide)) — benefits, dosing, side effects, research data, and where to buy.

Research Score

PropertyGLP-1(7-36) amideExendin-4
CategoryEndocrine PeptidesDiabetes & Metabolic
Full NameGlucagon-like peptide-1 (7-36) amideExendin-4 (synthetic exenatide)
Molecular Weight3297.7 Da4186 Da
Half-Life1-2 min2.4 hours
Amino AcidsHAEGTFTSDVSSYLEGQAAKEFIAWLVKGR-NH239
Typical DosepM-nM physiologic range|research-dependent5-10 mcg twice daily
Routeendogenous secretion|SC/IV in research/clinical analog studiesSubcutaneous
Purity≥98%≥98%
Studies Count991800
Research StatusEndogenousClinical

GLP-1(7-36) amide Benefits

  • ✓glucose-dependent insulin secretion
  • ✓gastric emptying delay
  • ✓satiety signaling

Exendin-4 Benefits

  • ✓beta-cell survival
  • ✓glucose-stimulated insulin secretion
  • ✓reduced glucolipotoxicity
  • ✓lowered HbA1c in clinical use

GLP-1(7-36) amide Dosing

physiologic secretion|research-dependent

Exendin-4 Dosing

5 mcg SC twice daily for 4 weeks|increase to 10 mcg SC twice daily if tolerated|research: 0.1-1 µM in vitro or 1-10 µg/kg in animals

GLP-1(7-36) amide Side Effects

  • ⚠nausea
  • ⚠fullness
  • ⚠reduced appetite

Exendin-4 Side Effects

  • ⚠nausea
  • ⚠vomiting
  • ⚠injection-site reactions

Research Overview

GLP-1(7-36) amide

One of the best-studied gut hormones, with strong evidence for incretin biology and appetite regulation. Native GLP-1 is rapidly degraded by DPP-4, which is why its biology is central to endocrine and metabolic pharmacology.

Exendin-4

Exendin-4 helped establish GLP-1 receptor biology in diabetes and remains a classic beta-cell protective peptide. Preclinical studies show reduced beta-cell apoptosis, improved insulin content, and better islet function under metabolic stress.

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Common Stacking Partners

GLP-1(7-36) amide stacks with:

L-cellsinsulinsatiety

Exendin-4 stacks with:

SGLT2 inhibitorsDPP-4 inhibitorsdiet and exercise
gut-hormoneincretinendocrine-peptideGLP-1 agonistbeta-cell protection