TIRZ

Tirzepatide

Metabolic FDA-approved

Dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist. In the SURMOUNT-1 Phase 3 trial, mean weight reduction was 15-21% at 72 weeks vs 3.1% with placebo. Brand names include Mounjaro and Zepbound. Tirzepatide is a prescription-only medication and must be obtained and used under the supervision of a licensed healthcare provider.

Regulatory status (as of Sept 2026)

FDA-approved. Removed from the FDA shortage list, so compounding of copies is restricted.

See the FDA peptide regulatory tracker · Read our July 27, 2026 dispatch on the FDA PCAC peptide vote
Educational summary. Every effect described below is drawn from the cited published research and describes what was observed in research subjects — not a promise of results, a dose recommendation, or an endorsement for human use. Many peptides are not FDA-approved. Consult a licensed healthcare provider before making any health decision. Full disclaimer.

2 studies referenced · Last reviewed Oct 1, 2026 · Reviewed by The Peptide Dispatch Editorial Team · How we research & label content

TL;DR — Tirzepatide at a Glance

Tirzepatide is an FDA-approved prescription drug. Dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist.

Half-lifeAbout 5 days
How it's given in studiesSubcutaneous injection
Research stageFDA-approved
Dosing
Published research: Humans: 5, 10 or 15 mg subcutaneous once weekly for 72 weeks after a 20-week escalation, n=2539
detailsHumans: 5, 10 or 15 mg s.c. once weekly for 72 weeks after a 20-week escalation, n=2539 (SURMOUNT-1, Jastreboff 2022). Phase 1: 0.25-15 mg (Coskun 2018).
Community-reportedCommunity-reported: 2.5–15 mg weekly, subcutaneous injection

Published-research dosing is what was given in the cited studies (species and units as reported). Community-reported dosing is what users describe, not from clinical studies. Neither is a recommendation. Not medical advice.

Where each point comes from: Clinicalhuman trials and FDA labels   Lab / animalrodent, cell and ex vivo studies   Community-reporteduser experience and commonly used protocols, not from clinical studies

How It Works

In plain terms: It acts on two gut-hormone receptors (GIP and GLP-1) and led to weight loss in a clinical trial. Dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist, developed to test whether GIP's metabolic action adds to GLP-1 receptor agonism (Coskun 2018). Its effect on body weight comes from clinical trials: in the SURMOUNT-1 phase 3 RCT (n=2539), mean weight change at 72 weeks was -15.0% to -20.9% with 5-15 mg weekly vs -3.1% with placebo (Jastreboff 2022).

Effects Reported in Research

How to read this: Each item below is an effect observed in research subjects in the cited studies — think of Dexter, our stand-in research subject. These are findings from the literature, not results you should expect, and not medical advice.

  • ClinicalMean 15-21% weight reduction at 72 weeks vs 3.1% with placebo (SURMOUNT-1 Phase 3 trial)
  • Clinical (FDA label)In clinical use (FDA label): adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in type 2 diabetes (Mounjaro)

What Users Report (Community, Not Clinical)

Commonly reported protocol

Community-reportedSome users report running Tirzepatide at 2.5–15 mg weekly (subcutaneous injection). This is not a recommendation.

Community reports are anecdotal, vary widely in product quality and purity, and are not medical advice. Talk to a licensed provider.

Side Effects and Safety Notes

  • Clinical (FDA label)In clinical use (FDA label, Mounjaro): the most common adverse reactions are nausea, diarrhea, decreased appetite, vomiting, constipation, dyspepsia and abdominal pain
  • Clinical (FDA label)In clinical use (FDA label, Zepbound): injection site reactions are among the most common adverse reactions
  • ClinicalGI adverse events led to discontinuation in 4.3-7.1% vs 2.6% on placebo (SURMOUNT-1)
  • Lab / animalThyroid C-cell tumor boxed warning (rodent data)

References

  1. Tirzepatide Once Weekly for the Treatment of Obesity
    Jastreboff AM, Aronne LJ, Ahmad NN, Wharton S, Connery L, Alves B et al. The New England journal of medicine. 2022. PMID: 35658024.
    Study type: Phase 3 RCT n=2539 (SURMOUNT-1).
    DOI: 10.1056/NEJMoa2206038 · PubMed
  2. LY3298176, a novel dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus: From discovery to clinical proof of concept
    Coskun T, Sloop KW, Loghin C, Alsina-Fernandez J, Urva S, Bokvist KB et al. Molecular metabolism. 2018. PMID: 30473097.
    Study type: Phase 1 RCT n=142.
    DOI: 10.1016/j.molmet.2018.09.009 · PubMed

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How Tirzepatide Compares

PeptideHalf-LifeRouteResearch Status
Tirzepatide~5 daysSubcutaneous injectionFDA-approved
5-Amino-1MQUnknownOralPreclinical (animal)
AOD-9604No published PK data foundSubcutaneous injectionDiscontinued
Adipotide (FTPP)No published PK data foundSubcutaneous injectionPreclinical (animal)
Dulaglutide~5 daysSubcutaneous injectionFDA-approved

Values reflect figures reported in published research. Compare any peptides side-by-side →

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Tirzepatide?
Dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist. In the SURMOUNT-1 Phase 3 trial, mean weight reduction was 15-21% at 72 weeks vs 3.1% with placebo. Brand names include Mounjaro and Zepbound. Tirzepatide is a prescription-only medication and must be obtained and used under the supervision of a licensed healthcare provider.
How does Tirzepatide work?
In plain terms: It acts on two gut-hormone receptors (GIP and GLP-1) and led to weight loss in a clinical trial. Dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist, developed to test whether GIP's metabolic action adds to GLP-1 receptor agonism (Coskun 2018). Its effect on body weight comes from clinical trials: in the SURMOUNT-1 phase 3 RCT (n=2539), mean weight change at 72 weeks was -15.0% to -20.9% with 5-15 mg weekly vs -3.1% with placebo (Jastreboff 2022).
What is the research status of Tirzepatide?
Tirzepatide is at the following stage in the published literature: FDA-approved. All information is for research and educational purposes only.
What is the half-life of Tirzepatide?
Reported half-life: ~5 days.
How is Tirzepatide administered in research?
Reported administration route in the literature: Subcutaneous injection. This is not a recommendation for human use.

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Category

This peptide belongs to the Metabolic category. View All Metabolic Peptides

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Sources & Methodology

Dosing, half-life figures, and mechanism descriptions on this page are compiled from peer-reviewed published research, with the species and study type stated where reported. Figures labeled “Dosing used in published research” describe what was given in those studies and do not constitute dosing recommendations for any human use. Each cited paper is listed with DOI and PubMed links in the References section above. Found an error? Contact us.

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