GLP-1 vs PACAP-27

Head-to-head comparison of GLP-1 (Glucagon-like peptide-1 (7-36 amide)) and PACAP-27 (Pituitary Adenylate Cyclase-Activating Polypeptide-27) — benefits, dosing, side effects, research data, and where to buy.

Research Score

PropertyGLP-1PACAP-27
CategoryDiabetes & MetabolicDiabetes & Metabolic
Full NameGlucagon-like peptide-1 (7-36 amide)Pituitary Adenylate Cyclase-Activating Polypeptide-27
Molecular Weight3297 Da3158 Da
Half-Life1-2 minutesminutes
Amino Acids3027
Typical DoseResearch-only: 0.1-1.0 pmol/kg/minResearch-only: 0.1-1 nmol/kg
RouteIntravenous/SubcutaneousIntraperitoneal/Subcutaneous
Purity≥98%≥98%
Studies Count1200220
Research StatusPre-clinicalPre-clinical

GLP-1 Benefits

  • beta-cell protection
  • improved insulin secretion
  • slower gastric emptying
  • lower postprandial glucose

PACAP-27 Benefits

  • anti-apoptotic signaling
  • insulin secretagogue effect
  • reduced ER stress
  • islet cytoprotection

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

PACAP-27 Dosing

0.1-1 nmol/kg in animal studies|10-100 nM in vitro|research-only intermittent dosing

GLP-1 Side Effects

  • nausea at pharmacologic exposure
  • tachyphylaxis with continuous exposure
  • headache

PACAP-27 Side Effects

  • flushing
  • hypotension at high exposure
  • headache

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.

PACAP-27

PACAP-27 has been repeatedly shown to support beta-cell survival through cAMP/PKA and related pathways. In experimental models it mitigates cytokine damage, preserves insulin content, and helps maintain islet viability.

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Common Stacking Partners

GLP-1 stacks with:

DPP-4 inhibitorsSGLT2 inhibitorsdiet and exercise

PACAP-27 stacks with:

GLP-1 analogsDPP-4 inhibitorsdiet and exercise
incretinbeta-cell survivalDPP-4 substrateneuropeptidebeta-cell protectioncAMP signaling