GLP-1 vs Exendin-4
Head-to-head comparison of GLP-1 (Glucagon-like peptide-1 (7-36 amide)) and Exendin-4 (Exendin-4 (synthetic exenatide)) — benefits, dosing, side effects, research data, and where to buy.
| Property | GLP-1 | Exendin-4 |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Diabetes & Metabolic | Diabetes & Metabolic |
| Full Name | Glucagon-like peptide-1 (7-36 amide) | Exendin-4 (synthetic exenatide) |
| Molecular Weight | 3297 Da | 4186 Da |
| Half-Life | 1-2 minutes | 2.4 hours |
| Amino Acids | 30 | 39 |
| Typical Dose | Research-only: 0.1-1.0 pmol/kg/min | 5-10 mcg twice daily |
| Route | Intravenous/Subcutaneous | Subcutaneous |
| Purity | ≥98% | ≥98% |
| Studies Count | 1200 | 1800 |
| Research Status | Pre-clinical | Clinical |
GLP-1 Benefits
- ✓beta-cell protection
- ✓improved insulin secretion
- ✓slower gastric emptying
- ✓lower postprandial glucose
Exendin-4 Benefits
- ✓beta-cell survival
- ✓glucose-stimulated insulin secretion
- ✓reduced glucolipotoxicity
- ✓lowered HbA1c in clinical use
GLP-1 Dosing
0.1-1.0 pmol/kg/min IV infusion in research|0.5-10 nM in vitro|continuous delivery in animal studies
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 Side Effects
- ⚠nausea at pharmacologic exposure
- ⚠tachyphylaxis with continuous exposure
- ⚠headache
Exendin-4 Side Effects
- ⚠nausea
- ⚠vomiting
- ⚠injection-site reactions
Research Overview
GLP-1
Native GLP-1 has a very short half-life because of rapid DPP-4 cleavage, so it is mainly used as a mechanistic research peptide. Across animal and cellular studies it reduces beta-cell apoptosis, improves insulin gene expression, and enhances islet resilience.
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.
Ready to buy?
Find both peptides from our verified, lab-tested vendors with purity certificates and third-party testing.