Semaglutide vs Tirzepatide
The headline metabolic comparison: a GLP-1 agonist versus a dual GLP-1/GIP agonist.
In short: Tirzepatide adds GIP receptor agonism on top of GLP-1, and head-to-head trials show greater average weight reduction than semaglutide.
Side-by-side comparison
| Semaglutide | Tirzepatide | |
|---|---|---|
| Class / subtitle | FDA-approved GLP-1 receptor agonist | FDA-approved dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist |
| Research status | FDA-approved | FDA-approved |
| Categories | Weight Loss | Weight Loss |
| Primary targets | GLP-1 receptor | GIP receptor, GLP-1 receptor |
| Half-life | ≈7 days (~165 hours) | ≈5 days (~120 hours) |
| Sequence | Acylated GLP-1(7-37) analog (Aib8, Arg34, C18 diacid linker) | Acylated GIP-based dual agonist (39-residue analog, C20 diacid linker) |
| Molecular formula | C187H291N45O59 | C225H348N48O68 |
| Molecular weight | 4113.6 g/mol | 4813.5 g/mol |
| CAS number | 910463-68-2 | 2023788-19-2 |
| Routes (research) | subcutaneous, oral | subcutaneous |
Semaglutide is an FDA-approved GLP-1 receptor agonist for type 2 diabetes and chronic weight management, engineered with fatty-acid acylation for a once-weekly half-life.
Full Semaglutide profileTirzepatide is an FDA-approved dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist for type 2 diabetes and weight management, producing larger average weight reduction than GLP-1-only agents in trials.
Full Tirzepatide profileFAQ
What is the main difference between Semaglutide and Tirzepatide?
Tirzepatide adds GIP receptor agonism on top of GLP-1, and head-to-head trials show greater average weight reduction than semaglutide.
What is the half-life of Semaglutide compared to Tirzepatide?
Semaglutide: ≈7 days (~165 hours). Tirzepatide: ≈5 days (~120 hours).
Provided for research and educational reference only — see ourdisclaimer.