Metabolic research looks at how the body regulates appetite, body weight, blood sugar and the way it burns fuel. Many of the best-known compounds in this area copy gut hormones released after eating — GLP-1, GIP and glucagon — which signal fullness to the brain and influence how the pancreas and liver handle glucose.
Entries here range from compounds with large published clinical trials, such as tirzepatide and semaglutide, to earlier-stage compounds still confined to laboratory and animal work. Each entry notes where its evidence currently sits.
18 entries in this research area
- 5-Amino-1MQSmall molecule studied for its effect on NAD+ levels and fat metabolism. Not a peptide.Animal study
- Adipotide (Prohibitin-TP01)Experimental fat-targeting compound whose development stopped after kidney safety signals.Animal study
- AICAR (Acadesine)AMPK-activating compound studied as an exercise mimetic; banned in competitive sport.Animal study
- AOD-9604 (hGH Fragment 176-191)Fragment of growth hormone studied for effects on fat metabolism, with disappointing trial results.Animal study
- BAM-15Mitochondrial uncoupler studied in obesity research as a safer alternative to older uncouplers.Animal study
- Cagrilintide (AM833)Long-acting amylin analogue studied on its own and combined with semaglutide in obesity trials.Controlled clinical trial
- HGH Fragment 176-191 (HGH Frag)The tail end of the growth hormone molecule, studied for effects on fat metabolism.Animal study
- L-Carnitine (Levocarnitine)Amino acid derivative that carries fatty acids into mitochondria, studied in metabolic research.Review or meta-analysis
- Mazdutide (IBI362)Dual GLP-1 and glucagon receptor agonist in late-stage trials, developed primarily in China.Controlled clinical trial
- MOTS-c (Mitochondrial Open Reading Frame of the 12S rRNA-c)In cataloguePeptide encoded by mitochondrial DNA, studied in exercise, insulin sensitivity and ageing research.Animal study
- Orforglipron (LY-3502970)Oral non-peptide GLP-1 receptor agonist in late-stage trials — a tablet rather than an injection.Controlled clinical trial
- Pancragen (KEDW)Khavinson bioregulator peptide studied in pancreatic tissue and glucose research.Animal study
- Retatrutide (LY3437943)In catalogueInvestigational triple hormone receptor agonist studied in obesity and metabolic research.Controlled clinical trial
- Semaglutide (Ozempic)GLP-1 receptor agonist approved for type 2 diabetes and weight management; the most studied compound in its class.Controlled clinical trial
- SLU-PP-332 (Exercise Mimetic)Experimental compound studied as an exercise mimetic in mice. Not a peptide; no human data exists.Animal study
- Survodutide (BI 456906)Dual GLP-1 and glucagon receptor agonist in late-stage trials for obesity and liver disease.Controlled clinical trial
- Tesamorelin (Egrifta SV)In catalogueGHRH analogue approved for HIV-associated excess abdominal fat; studied for visceral fat specifically.Controlled clinical trial
- Tirzepatide (Mounjaro)In catalogueDual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist, approved for type 2 diabetes and weight management.Controlled clinical trial