Incretin
Definition
Incretins are gut-derived hormones released in response to nutrient intake that potentiate glucose-dependent insulin secretion from pancreatic beta cells, a phenomenon known as the incretin effect. The two primary incretins are glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), secreted by intestinal L-cells, and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP), secreted by K-cells. Together, they account for approximately 50-70% of postprandial insulin release. The development of incretin-based therapies, including GLP-1 receptor agonists (semaglutide), dual GIP/GLP-1 agonists (tirzepatide), and triple agonists (retatrutide), represents one of the most significant advances in metabolic disease research.
Related Terms
Related Compounds
Semaglutide
An in-depth review of Semaglutide, a long-acting GLP-1 receptor agonist, covering its mechanism of action, albumin-binding pharmacokinetics, and research applications in metabolic health, weight management, and cardiovascular outcomes.
Read monographTirzepatide
An in-depth review of Tirzepatide, the first dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist ('twincretin'), examining its mechanism of action, superior glycemic and weight loss efficacy, and research applications in metabolic health.
Read monographRetatrutide
An in-depth review of Retatrutide, the first triple GLP-1/GIP/glucagon receptor agonist, examining its mechanism of action, glucagon-mediated thermogenesis, and unprecedented weight loss results from Phase 2 clinical trials.
Read monographRelated Studies
Triple-Hormone-Receptor Agonist Retatrutide for Obesity - A Phase 2 Trial
Jastreboff AM, Kaplan LM, Frias JP, et al. · New England Journal of Medicine (2023)
Tirzepatide Once Weekly for the Treatment of Obesity
Jastreboff AM, Aronne LJ, Ahmad NN, et al. · New England Journal of Medicine (2022)
Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity
Wilding JPH, Batterham RL, Calanna S, et al. · New England Journal of Medicine (2021)
Efficacy and Safety of Tirzepatide Monotherapy in Type 2 Diabetes (SURPASS-1)
Rosenstock J, Wysham C, Frias JP, et al. · New England Journal of Medicine (2021)