Compound profile
Tirzepatide
Also known as Mounjaro, Zepbound
Last reviewed October 2026
Educational only. A summary of published research, not medical advice or a recommendation. No doses are listed.
Quick take
A once-weekly dual agonist of the GIP and GLP-1 receptors used for type 2 diabetes and weight management.
- Class
- GLP-1 & weight-loss peptides
- Status
- FDA-approved
- Evidence
- Large human trials
- Half-life
- About 5 days
Mechanism fingerprint
What it acts on, and how. Each chip links to that pathway on the map.
Activates the receptors for two gut hormones, GIP and GLP-1, which together affect insulin release, appetite and how quickly the stomach empties.
What makes it different
A dual agonist: adds GIP-receptor activity to GLP-1 effects.
Compare side by side
Mechanism & pathways
-
Agonist
GIP receptor
Receptor for GIP, the other main “incretin” gut hormone released after meals. It also boosts insulin release when blood sugar is high, and is found in fat tissue and the brain.
Leads to Insulin receptor & insulin signaling
-
Agonist
GLP-1 receptor
Receptor for the gut hormone GLP-1, found on insulin-making cells in the pancreas, in the brain and in the gut. Activating it boosts insulin release when blood sugar is high, slows stomach emptying and reduces appetite.
Evidence overview
Large human trials
Studied in thousands of people in the SURPASS (diabetes) and SURMOUNT (weight) trial programs.
A breakdown into human, animal and cell studies hasn't been added for this compound yet.
Why it's used
Lowers blood sugar in type 2 diabetes and produces some of the largest weight loss of any approved medicine; also approved for obesity-related sleep apnea.
Side effects & risks
Reported side effects
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or constipation
- Reduced appetite
- Indigestion and abdominal pain
Risks and warnings
- Pancreatitis and gallbladder problems
- Low blood sugar when combined with insulin or sulfonylureas
- Can make birth-control pills less effective, especially when starting or increasing the medication
- Boxed warning: thyroid C-cell tumors in rodents; not for people with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer or MEN 2
FAQ
Short answers taken from this profile.
What is Tirzepatide?
A once-weekly dual agonist of the GIP and GLP-1 receptors used for type 2 diabetes and weight management.
How does Tirzepatide work?
Activates the receptors for two gut hormones, GIP and GLP-1, which together affect insulin release, appetite and how quickly the stomach empties.
What receptors or pathways does Tirzepatide act on?
GIP receptor (agonist) and GLP-1 receptor (agonist). Downstream, that leads to insulin receptor & insulin signaling.
How is Tirzepatide different from similar compounds?
A dual agonist: adds GIP-receptor activity to GLP-1 effects.
What is the half-life of Tirzepatide?
About 5 days.
Is Tirzepatide approved?
FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes (Mounjaro) and for chronic weight management and obesity-related obstructive sleep apnea (Zepbound).
What has Tirzepatide been studied for?
Lowers blood sugar in type 2 diabetes and produces some of the largest weight loss of any approved medicine; also approved for obesity-related sleep apnea.
How strong is the evidence?
Large human trials. Studied in thousands of people in the SURPASS (diabetes) and SURMOUNT (weight) trial programs.
What are the main risks?
Pancreatitis and gallbladder problems. Low blood sugar when combined with insulin or sulfonylureas. Can make birth-control pills less effective, especially when starting or increasing the medication. More are listed under risks and warnings.
Sources
- Jastreboff AM et al. Tirzepatide once weekly for the treatment of obesity. N Engl J Med 2022 (SURMOUNT-1).
- FDA prescribing information for Mounjaro and Zepbound.