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Tirzepatide

FDA-approved

FDA-approved dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist

Also known as: Mounjaro, Zepbound, LY3298176

Weight Loss

Tirzepatide 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.

Molecular & research data

Sequence
Acylated GIP-based dual agonist (39-residue analog, C20 diacid linker)
CAS number
2023788-19-2
Molecular formula
C225H348N48O68
Molecular weight
4813.5 g/mol
Half-life
≈5 days (~120 hours)
Primary targets
GIP receptor, GLP-1 receptor
Routes (research)
Subcutaneous
Storage
Refrigerate 2–8 °C; commercial pens have specific in-use limits.

Overview

Tirzepatide is a dual incretin agonist, activating both the GIP and GLP-1 receptors in a single molecule. Approved by the FDA for type 2 diabetes (Mounjaro) and chronic weight management (Zepbound), it represents the next step beyond GLP-1-only agents like Semaglutide and has set new benchmarks for weight reduction in clinical trials.

Mechanism of action

Tirzepatide engages two complementary incretin pathways:

  • GLP-1 receptor — enhances glucose-dependent insulin secretion, slows gastric emptying, and reduces appetite (the same axis as semaglutide).
  • GIP receptor — glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide signalling, which appears to add further benefits to insulin sensitivity and energy balance when combined with GLP-1 activity.

Like semaglutide, it carries a fatty-acid chain that binds albumin to resist enzymatic breakdown, giving it a half-life of roughly five days and once-weekly dosing.

The dual mechanism is the central reason tirzepatide and semaglutide are the headline comparison in metabolic peptide research.

Common research uses

  • Type 2 diabetes management (approved)
  • Chronic weight management (approved)
  • Comparative metabolic research against GLP-1 monoagonists
  • Investigation of GIP’s contribution to metabolic outcomes

Compare Tirzepatide

Tirzepatide vs Semaglutide

Tirzepatide FAQ

What makes tirzepatide a "dual agonist"?+

It activates two incretin receptors at once — GIP and GLP-1 — whereas semaglutide activates only GLP-1. Combining both pathways is thought to enhance the metabolic and weight effects.

What is tirzepatide approved for?+

It is FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes (Mounjaro) and for chronic weight management (Zepbound).

Is tirzepatide more effective than semaglutide for weight loss?+

In head-to-head and comparable trials, tirzepatide has produced greater average weight reduction, though individual response and tolerability vary.

References

  1. [1]Tirzepatide — PubChemPubChem
  2. [2]Tirzepatide — DrugBankDrugBank

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Last reviewed: 2026-06-26. Information is provided for research and educational reference only — see our disclaimer.