At a glance
Type
Dual GIP + GLP-1 agonist
Molecular weight
≈4813.5 g/mol
Studied for
Weight managementBlood-sugar controlAppetite / satietyWeight maintenance
Tirzepatide is a first-in-class dual incretin — a single peptide that activates two receptors, GIP and GLP-1, at once. That dual action is what set it apart from single-pathway GLP-1 agonists and is behind the large weight and blood-sugar effects seen in its trials.
How tirzepatide works
Tirzepatide activates both the GIP and GLP-1 receptors. Together they enhance glucose-dependent insulin secretion, suppress glucagon, slow gastric emptying, and reduce appetite. A C20 fatty-diacid side chain binds it to albumin (over 99% bound), protecting it from breakdown and giving an elimination half-life of about five days — enough for once-weekly dosing.
What the research shows
- Vs semaglutide, T2D — SURPASS-2 (Frías et al., NEJM 2021). All three tirzepatide doses lowered HbA1c and body weight more than once-weekly semaglutide 1 mg in type 2 diabetes.
- Obesity — SURMOUNT-1 (Jastreboff et al., NEJM 2022). In adults with obesity (no diabetes), 72 weeks produced mean weight loss of ~15–21% (up to ~22.5% at 15 mg) versus placebo.
- Obesity + T2D — SURMOUNT-2 (Garvey et al., Lancet 2023). In people with obesity and type 2 diabetes, weight fell ~13–16% versus ~3% on placebo.
- Weight maintenance — SURMOUNT-4 (Aronne et al., JAMA 2024). Continuing tirzepatide held and extended weight loss, while switching to placebo led to substantial regain.
As with all these compounds, results reflect the studied populations and doses, and use belongs under a physician’s guidance. (The molecule has been marketed under the brand names Mounjaro and Zepbound — noted here for context only.)
Molecular specification
| Type | Dual GIP + GLP-1 receptor agonist |
| Sequence | 39-amino-acid acylated peptide (C20 fatty-diacid) |
| Molecular formula | C225H348N48O68 |
| Molecular weight | ≈4813.5 g/mol |
| CAS number | 2023788-19-2 |
Quality and sourcing
Every batch of Azzurri Wellness tirzepatide is compounded through a Registered 503B outsourcing facility under GMP-compliant processes, HPLC-tested for purity and potency, and third-party lab verified. Shipped cold-pack when needed to protect stability.
References
- Frías JP, et al. Tirzepatide versus Semaglutide Once Weekly in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes (SURPASS-2). N Engl J Med. 2021;385(6):503–515. NEJM
- Jastreboff AM, et al. Tirzepatide Once Weekly for the Treatment of Obesity (SURMOUNT-1). N Engl J Med. 2022;387(3):205–216. PubMed
- Garvey WT, et al. Tirzepatide once weekly for obesity in people with type 2 diabetes (SURMOUNT-2). Lancet. 2023;402(10402):613–626. PubMed
- Aronne LJ, et al. Continued Treatment With Tirzepatide for Maintenance of Weight Reduction (SURMOUNT-4). JAMA. 2024;331(1):38–48. PubMed
Compiled by the Azzurri Wellness Research Team and checked against the cited literature. Educational only — not medical advice.
