Definition
A compound that activates the glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor, the target of semaglutide and related incretin peptides.
A GLP-1 receptor agonist activates the glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor, a class B G protein-coupled receptor. Receptor activation drives glucose-dependent insulin secretion, suppresses glucagon, slows gastric emptying and acts on central appetite pathways. Native GLP-1 is cleaved by DPP-4 within minutes, so research analogues are engineered for stability through substitutions such as Aib at position 8 and fatty-acid chains that bind albumin. Approved prescription medicines in this class include exenatide, liraglutide, dulaglutide and semaglutide. Newer molecules combine GLP-1 agonism with GIP or glucagon receptor activity, as in tirzepatide and retatrutide.