GLP-1 peptides in the Philippines: retatrutide vs tirzepatide vs semaglutide
Three compounds drive most GLP-1 searches in the Philippines. Here they are side by side: which receptors they act on, what the published trials found, where each stands with regulators, and what a milligram costs in pesos.
Semaglutide acts on one receptor, tirzepatide on two, and retatrutide on three. Semaglutide and tirzepatide are approved medicines in some form; retatrutide is still investigational. As research vials, all three are stocked in Metro Manila by Primara Labs, from ₱1,890 ($32).
Side by side
| Compound | Receptors | Best known trial | Approval |
|---|---|---|---|
| Retatrutide | GIP, GLP-1 and glucagon | Phase 2, 48 weeks: up to 24.2% average weight loss (NEJM 2023) | Not approved anywhere; Phase 3 under way |
| Tirzepatide | GIP and GLP-1 | SURMOUNT-1, 72 weeks: up to 20.9% (NEJM 2022) | Approved as a prescription medicine in several countries |
| Semaglutide | GLP-1 | STEP 1, 68 weeks: 14.9% vs 2.4% placebo (NEJM 2021) | Registered in the Philippines as a prescription medicine |
Trial figures are the highest-dose group averages as published. They describe registered trial products under medical supervision, not research vials.
Price per milligram
| Compound | Vial | 1 vial | Per mg | In a 10-pack |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Retatrutide | 15mg | ₱2,990 ($50) | ₱199 | ₱1,829 ($30) |
| Tirzepatide | 15mg | ₱1,890 ($32) | ₱126 | ₱1,155 ($19) |
| Semaglutide | 15mg | ₱1,990 ($33) | ₱133 | ₱1,216 ($20) |
Primara Labs' listed prices, read 28 September 2026. Retatrutide has a published Janoshik report.
GLP-1 on Lazada and Shopee
Search for GLP-1 on a marketplace and you will find capsules, drops, patches and probiotics with GLP-1 in the name. These are supplements marketed around the trend. They are not incretin receptor agonists and should not be compared with the compounds above.
If a listing claims to be retatrutide, tirzepatide or semaglutide, ask for a certificate you can verify on the lab's own site. See how to verify a certificate.
Where to buy them
Retatrutide
A triple agonist of the GIP, GLP-1 and glucagon receptors.
Tirzepatide
A dual agonist of the GIP and GLP-1 receptors.
Semaglutide
A GLP-1 receptor agonist.
Questions
What GLP-1 peptides can you buy in the Philippines?
As research compounds, the three most searched are retatrutide, tirzepatide and semaglutide. At Primara Labs they cost ₱2,990 ($50), ₱1,890 ($32) and ₱1,990 ($33) per 15mg vial, checked 28 September 2026.
Is tirzepatide sold at Mercury Drug or Watsons?
Pharmacies dispense the registered prescription medicine, with a prescription. Research vials are a different product and are not sold at pharmacies.
Which is stronger, retatrutide or tirzepatide?
They have not been compared head to head in a published trial. Retatrutide acts on three receptors and tirzepatide on two; the trials above used different designs and lengths, so their numbers are not directly comparable.
Are GLP-1 capsules and patches on Lazada the same thing?
No. Most 'GLP-1' capsules, drops and patches on marketplaces are supplements that use the name. They do not contain these compounds.
Do I need a prescription for GLP-1 in the Philippines?
Registered GLP-1 medicines require a prescription. Research vials are not registered medicines. If you are considering one for your own health, speak to a licensed physician.
Not medical or legal advice. Peptides sold as research compounds are not registered medicines with FDA Philippines and are not approved for use in people. If you are thinking about any compound for your own health, speak to a licensed physician first.
Ready to order? Primara Labs delivers same day in Metro Manila.
Prices from ₱1,190 ($20) a vial, a 60 day money-back guarantee if an accredited lab disagrees with the label, and orders placed on WhatsApp with the owner.
Keep reading
Semaglutide vs tirzepatide: the head-to-head trial
What the only head-to-head trial found, side by side, with prices per milligram.
Read the guide →ResearchTirzepatide side effects: what the trials reported
Side effect rates from the published trial, the official warnings, and the comparison with semaglutide.
Read the guide →ResearchPeptides for weight loss: what the research actually says
Evidence levels for every compound people call a weight loss peptide, with sources.
Read the guide →