What Tirzepatide is

Class and mechanism

Tirzepatide is a dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist. Agonist at both the GIP and GLP-1 receptors, a mechanism distinct from single-receptor GLP-1 agonists such as semaglutide.

Where it sits

Incretin compounds are grouped by how many receptors they act at. A single agonist works at GLP-1 alone, a dual agonist adds GIP, and a triple agonist adds glucagon. The receptor count is the clearest way to tell one from another when the names are unfamiliar.

Other names

Tirzepatide is also written as Mounjaro, Zepbound and LY3298176. The same molecule appears under more than one name, which is worth knowing when comparing listings between suppliers.

Others in the metabolic and GLP-1 range

Tirzepatide sits in the metabolic and GLP-1 group. The compounds below share that grouping, which is the useful starting point when comparing one against another: same group means the comparison is like for like, different group usually means it is not.