GLP-1 / incretin
What is Tirzepatide?
A dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist (LY3298176). A reference compound for comparing dual and single incretin activity.
- Class
- Dual GIP / GLP-1 receptor agonist
- Also known as
- LY3298176
- Type
- 39-amino-acid acylated peptide
- Research stage
- Extensively studied in clinical trials
01 · Classification
What it is
Tirzepatide is a 39-amino-acid synthetic peptide with a C20 fatty diacid side chain. Its sequence is based on native GIP, and it is engineered to also activate the GLP-1 receptor.
It is widely used as a reference compound in incretin research, because a large body of published trial data exists to compare new findings against.
02 · Mechanisms
What has been studied
- GIP receptor: tirzepatide has relatively high affinity for the GIP receptor, which is a focus of research into why dual agonists behave differently from GLP-1-only compounds.
- GLP-1 receptor: studied for glucose-dependent insulin release, gastric emptying and central appetite signalling.
- Biased signalling: published work suggests it favours cAMP signalling over beta-arrestin recruitment at the GLP-1 receptor, a topic of ongoing mechanistic research.
03 · Evidence
Where the research is
Large phase 3 programmes have been published. Pharmaceutical formulations are regulated medicines. The research-grade peptide sold here is a laboratory reagent and is not a medicine.
04 · Primary sources
Read the literature
Search the primary research record directly rather than relying on summaries, including this one.
Research use only
Supplied strictly for laboratory and educational research. Not a therapeutic good, not for human or veterinary use, and not evaluated by the TGA. This overview is not medical advice and gives no dosing or administration guidance.
