Tirzepatide
Also known as: Mounjaro, Zepbound
Molecular Identifiers
Molecular Formula
C225H348N48O68
CAS Number
2023788-19-2
PubChem CID
168009818Molecular Weight
4813.45 Da
Overview
Dual GLP-1 and GIP receptor agonist, composed of 39 amino acids with a molecular weight of approximately 4,813.45 Da. Developed for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and obesity, promoting glycemic control and significant weight loss.
Approved by the FDA as Mounjaro (2022) for type 2 diabetes and as Zepbound (2023) for chronic weight management in adults. Dual GIP/GLP-1 agonist with weight loss of up to 22% in clinical trials.
Tirzepatide is a dual GIP/GLP-1 agonist with a marked clinical effect on glycemic control and weight loss. In clinical trials, therapeutic doses led to average losses of 15 to 22% of body weight, exceeding what is observed with selective GLP-1 agonists. It acts by reducing appetite, delaying gastric emptying, and improving insulin sensitivity in peripheral tissues.
It has dual FDA approval: as Mounjaro in 2022 for type 2 diabetes, and as Zepbound in 2023 for chronic weight management in adults. It is administered subcutaneously once a week, with mandatory dose escalation every 4 weeks (2.5 → 5 → 7.5 → 10 → 12.5 → 15 mg) to reduce gastrointestinal effects. It is available in pre-filled pens and, in some countries, also through compounding pharmacies, with monitoring of pancreatic and gastrointestinal function recommended.
In the incretin mimetic landscape, it sits in the middle tier: in head-to-head trials it outperforms semaglutide (single GLP-1 agonist) on weight loss and glycemic control by adding the GIP arm, but tends to be exceeded in magnitude by triple agonists such as retatrutide in phase 2 data — with the advantage of already holding consolidated approval (Mounjaro/Zepbound) and a larger clinical evidence base.
YXEGTFTSDYSIYLDKIAQKAFVQWLIAGGPSSGAPPPS Tyr-Aib-Glu-Gly-Thr-Phe-Thr-Ser-Asp-Tyr-Ser-Ile-Tyr-Leu-Asp-Lys(γGlu-miniPEG-miniPEG-γGlu-C20diacid)-Ile-Ala-Gln-Lys-Ala-Phe-Val-Gln-Trp-Leu-Ile-Ala-Gly-Gly-Pro-Ser-Ser-Gly-Ala-Pro-Pro-Pro-Ser Modified peptide — 39 amino acids with Aib substitution and conjugated C20 diacid fatty acid
Half-life
~5 days
Administration Route
Subcutaneous
Category
Metabolic & Fat Loss
Mechanism of Action
- GLP-1 receptor agonism (increased glucose-dependent insulin secretion and satiety)
- GIP receptor agonism (potentiation of the incretin effect and lipid metabolism)
- Delayed gastric emptying
- Reduced caloric intake via hypothalamic signaling
- Improved insulin sensitivity in peripheral tissues
Dosage Protocol
Data compiled from the literature. This does not constitute medical advice.
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Dose | 2.5-15 mg per week (subcutaneous) |
| Frequency | Once per week |
| Timing | Same day and time each week, regardless of meals |
| Duration | 12+ weeks (continuous use with gradual escalation) |
Reported Side Effects
Adverse effects described in the literature. Severity and frequency vary between individuals.
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Abdominal pain
- Decreased appetite
Product Properties
| Purity | >98% |
| Appearance | White lyophilized powder |
| Solubility | Soluble in water and bacteriostatic water |
| Source | Recombinant DNA technology with chemical modification (fatty acid acylation) |
| Storage | Unused: 2-8°C for up to 2 years. In-use: room temperature (up to 30°C) or 2-8°C for up to 21 days. Do not freeze. Protect from light. |
Presentations & Preparation
Vials of Tirzepatide found in the research market:
Reconstitution
- Diluent: Bacteriostatic water
- Volume: 1 ml per vial
- Inject the diluent slowly against the vial wall
- Gently swirl until completely dissolved — never shake
- Dose escalation every 4 weeks (2.5 → 5 → 7.5 → 10 → 12.5 → 15 mg)
Storage
- Lyophilized: Refrigerated 2-8°C
- Reconstituted: Refrigerated 2-8°C (up to 30 days)
- Protect from direct light
- Do not freeze after reconstitution
- Pre-filled pens must be refrigerated
Scientific Studies
Published studies on Tirzepatide.
Cardiovascular Outcomes with Tirzepatide versus Dulaglutide in Type 2 Diabetes
Nicholls SJ, Pavo I, Bhatt DL, Buse JB, Del Prato S, Kahn SE, Lincoff AM, McGuire DK, Nauck MA, Nissen SE, Sattar N, Zinman B, Zoungas S, et al.
Tirzepatide for Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction and Obesity
Packer M, Zile MR, Kramer CM, Baum SJ, Litwin SE, Menon V, Ge J, Weerakkody GJ, Ou Y, Bunck MC, Hurt KC, Murakami M, Borlaug BA, et al.
Tirzepatide for the Treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Obesity
Malhotra A, Grunstein RR, Fietze I, Weaver TE, Redline S, Azarbarzin A, et al.
Tirzepatide once weekly for the treatment of obesity in people with type 2 diabetes (SURMOUNT-2)
Garvey WT, Frias JP, Jastreboff AM, le Roux CW, Sattar N, Aizenberg D, et al.
Tirzepatide Once Weekly for the Treatment of Obesity
Jastreboff AM, Aronne LJ, Ahmad NN, Wharton S, Connery L, Alves B, et al.
Tirzepatide versus Semaglutide Once Weekly in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes
Frias JP, Davies MJ, Rosenstock J, Perez Manghi FC, Fernandez Lando L, Bergman BK, et al.
Related Peptides
5-Amino-1MQ
50 mg per capsule · 1-2 times daily
Adipotide
0.03 mg/kg body weight (Phase 1 trial starting dose) · Once daily
AICAR
0.1 mg/kg/min by intravenous infusion (CABG trial dose) · Single continuous infusion
AOD 9604
300-600 mcg per injection · Once daily
Cagrilintide
1.2-4.5 mg per week (subcutaneous) · Once weekly
Dulaglutide
0.75-4.5 mg per week (subcutaneous) · Once weekly