Structure · schematic
Peptide chain of 39 amino acids · GLP-1-Analog
Schematic representation of the amino acid chain — not a chemical structural formula. Each node represents one amino acid (shown truncated).
Research areas*
* Contexts in which the peptide has been scientifically studied — not assured or recommended effects.
Mechanism of action
- Tirzepatide is a dual agonist at GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) and GLP-1 receptors.
- It is a synthetic 39-amino-acid peptide with a C20 fatty-acid side chain that enables binding to albumin and thus a half-life of about 5 days.
- The simultaneous activation of both incretin receptors is intended to produce synergistic effects on insulin secretion, glucagon inhibition and food intake compared with pure GLP-1 agonists.
- GIP-receptor agonism has additionally been described to have direct effects on adipose tissue.
Research status
- The SURPASS study programme (5 Phase III studies) comprehensively investigated tirzepatide in type 2 diabetes.
- SURPASS-2 (2021) compared tirzepatide with semaglutide in a head-to-head design and observed numerically greater HbA1c reductions and weight loss with tirzepatide.
- The SURMOUNT programme addressed obesity without diabetes: SURMOUNT-1 (2022) documented average weight reductions of about 20% versus baseline.
- SURPASS-CVOT (2024) investigated cardiovascular endpoints.
- Current research relates to heart failure (SUMMIT study) and sleep apnoea (SURMOUNT-OSA).
Evidence level
Cited studies
Known risks
- 01Gastrointestinal side effects: nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation (the most common side effects in studies)
- 02Hypoglycaemia risk in combination with insulin or sulfonylureas
- 03Pancreatitis: rare isolated cases described; caution with a prior history
- 04Thyroid C-cell tumours in animal models; clinical relevance in humans unclear
- 05Gallbladder disease (cholelithiasis) possible with rapid weight loss
- 06Heart rate increase of about 2–4 bpm observed in studies
- 07Contraindication: personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or MEN2
Frequently asked questions
What is Tirzepatid?
Tirzepatide is a dual agonist at GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) and GLP-1 receptors.
What type of peptide is Tirzepatid?
Tirzepatid belongs to the GLP-1 analog class.
Is Tirzepatid legal in Germany?
Tirzepatid is prescription-only in Germany and may only be obtained with a medical prescription.
Where can I buy Tirzepatid?
Peptica sells nothing and names no sources. Tirzepatid is "prescription-only" in Germany; obtaining unapproved substances outside clinical studies is illegal and carries quality and safety risks.
Is Tirzepatid banned in sport (WADA)?
Tirzepatid is currently not on the WADA Prohibited List.
What are the known risks of Tirzepatid?
Documented risks include: Gastrointestinal side effects: nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation (the most common side effects in studies); Hypoglycaemia risk in combination with insulin or sulfonylureas. This is not a complete safety assessment and not medical advice — see the risks section for the full list.
How well researched is Tirzepatid?
The evidence is classified as “clinically established”. 3 studies are cited on this page.
What is the molecular weight of Tirzepatid?
Tirzepatid has a molar mass of about 4813.45 Da, with a plasma half-life of ~5 days.
Which peptides are related to Tirzepatid?
Closely related entries: Semaglutid, Retatrutid. A direct side-by-side comparison is available via the compare function.
Related entries
Legal status
Germany
prescription-onlyAustria
prescription-onlySwitzerland
prescription-onlyEU
approved medicineUSA
prescription-onlyCanada
prescription-onlyLegal status varies by country and can change. This is not legal advice.
Sources & methodology
- 3 peer-reviewed studies cited, linked to PubMed where available.
- Molecular data verified against PubChem and primary literature. PubChem CID 166567236
- Editorial standard: no dosage guidance, no sources, evidence level stated explicitly.
Last editorially reviewed: 1 May 2026
Important notice
This site is intended solely for factual, scientifically oriented information about peptides. It does not constitute medical advice, does not replace a consultation with a doctor and contains no recommendations for use in humans.
This site does not sell any substances and names no sources for unapproved substances. For medical questions, please consult qualified medical professionals.
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