Tirzepatide
Also known as: Mounjaro, Zepbound
Tirzepatide is a dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist approved by the FDA as Mounjaro (type 2 diabetes) and Zepbound (obesity). It produces greater weight loss than GLP-1 agonists alone in clinical trials.
Overview
Tirzepatide is a 39-amino-acid synthetic peptide developed by Eli Lilly that is a 'twincretin' — it activates both the glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptor and the GLP-1 receptor with near-equal potency. The GIP receptor activation appears to amplify weight loss and metabolic effects beyond what GLP-1 agonism alone achieves, possibly through complementary mechanisms involving adipose tissue, energy metabolism, and satiety signaling. Phase 3 SURMOUNT trials showed Tirzepatide produced approximately 20–22% body weight reduction at the highest dose — greater than any previously approved non-surgical weight loss intervention. Mounjaro was approved for type 2 diabetes in 2022; Zepbound was approved for chronic weight management in 2023.
Related Terms
Related Peptide Profiles
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Tirzepatide and Semaglutide?+
Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist only. Tirzepatide activates both GLP-1 and GIP receptors. Clinical trials show Tirzepatide produces greater average weight loss than Semaglutide.
What is the difference between Mounjaro and Zepbound?+
Both contain Tirzepatide. Mounjaro is FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes; Zepbound is FDA-approved for chronic weight management. The formulation is identical.
How much weight loss does Tirzepatide produce?+
The SURMOUNT-1 trial showed approximately 20–22% body weight reduction at the 15 mg dose over 72 weeks — the highest average weight loss reported in a large-scale pharmaceutical obesity trial.