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Start

2.5 mg

Range

2.5–15 mg

Frequency

Once weekly

Cycle

Ongoing, titrated every 4 weeks

Vials

10 / 15 / 30 mg

Titration

1. Weeks 1–4: 2.5 mg
2. Weeks 5–8: 5 mg
3. Weeks 9–12: 7.5 mg
4. Weeks 13–16: 10 mg
5. Weeks 17–20: 12.5 mg
6. Weeks 21+: 15 mg (max studied)

Tirzepatide is a single peptide that activates both the GIP and GLP-1 receptors (a 'twincretin'). It carries a fatty-acid chain for albumin binding and once-weekly exposure. Combined GIP/GLP-1 signalling affects insulin and glucagon secretion, gastric emptying and appetite.

• SURMOUNT-1 (obesity, no diabetes): mean weight change of −15.0% to −20.9% across dose arms vs −3.1% with placebo at week 72.
• SURPASS-2 (type 2 diabetes): every tirzepatide arm lowered HbA1c more than semaglutide (−2.01 to −2.30 vs −1.86 points).
• SURMOUNT-5 (head-to-head, obesity): −20.2% weight change vs −13.7% with semaglutide at week 72.

• FDA-approved (as Mounjaro and Zepbound) for specific indications; research-grade material is not an approved product.
• Gastrointestinal events were the most common adverse effects and occurred mostly during dose escalation.

3 references · view