Irisin vs GLP-1

Head-to-head comparison of Irisin (Irisin (FNDC5 cleavage product)) and GLP-1 (Glucagon-like peptide-1 (7-36 amide)) — benefits, dosing, side effects, research data, and where to buy.

Research Score

PropertyIrisinGLP-1
CategoryDiabetes & MetabolicDiabetes & Metabolic
Full NameIrisin (FNDC5 cleavage product)Glucagon-like peptide-1 (7-36 amide)
Molecular Weight~12.3 kDa3297 Da
Half-Lifehours1-2 minutes
Amino Acids11230
Typical DoseNo approved human dose; research use onlyResearch-only: 0.1-1.0 pmol/kg/min
RouteIV|SCIntravenous/Subcutaneous
Purity≥98%≥98%
Studies Count791200
Research StatusPre-clinicalPre-clinical

Irisin Benefits

  • glucose homeostasis
  • energy expenditure
  • brown-fat activation

GLP-1 Benefits

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

Irisin Dosing

not established|not established

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

Irisin Side Effects

  • unknown
  • immunogenicity risk

GLP-1 Side Effects

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

Research Overview

Irisin

Irisin is widely explored in obesity and type 2 diabetes research because it connects exercise biology with metabolic adaptation. Human findings are mixed, so it remains a biomarker and preclinical lead rather than an approved therapy.

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.

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Common Stacking Partners

Irisin stacks with:

FNDC5exercise hormone

GLP-1 stacks with:

DPP-4 inhibitorsSGLT2 inhibitorsdiet and exercise
AMPKexercise-mimeticenergy-metabolismtype-2-diabetesincretinbeta-cell survivalDPP-4 substrate