METABOLIC MONOGRAPH
Tirzepatide Research Monograph
Dual GLP-1 / GIP receptor agonist — incretin-research peptide
Tirzepatide is a synthetic 39-amino-acid peptide and the first dual agonist of the GLP-1 and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptors to reach widespread research adoption. It is among the most-studied multi-receptor incretin peptides in current literature.
Receptor profile
Tirzepatide engages both the GLP-1 receptor (GLP-1R) and the glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide receptor (GIPR). This dual-incretin profile distinguishes it from selective GLP-1 mono-agonists like semaglutide, and from triple agonists like retatrutide that add glucagon receptor engagement.
Structure and modification
The 39-amino-acid sequence incorporates a γGlu-C20 fatty-acid side chain that promotes albumin binding and extends plasma half-life into the once-weekly dosing range used in clinical research protocols. Multiple non-canonical residues, including aminoisobutyric acid (Aib), are incorporated to resist DPP-IV proteolysis.
Primary research literature
Tirzepatide entered preclinical literature in 2018, with the foundational SURPASS- and SURMOUNT-program studies establishing its pharmacological profile from 2021 onward. Published work spans glycemic regulation, body-weight regulation, hepatic-fat research, and direct comparative studies against semaglutide.
Storage, reconstitution, and handling
Lyophilised tirzepatide is stable at −20°C in its sealed vial. After reconstitution with bacteriostatic water, working solutions should be stored at 2–8°C and used within 14 days. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
Comparison with related research peptides
Tirzepatide is most often compared with semaglutide (GLP-1 mono-agonist) and retatrutide (triple GLP-1/GIP/glucagon agonist). See the VESPER /compare/tirzepatide-vs-semaglutide and /compare/tirzepatide-vs-retatrutide pages for direct head-to-head specifications.
Quality and verification
VESPER tirzepatide is supplied at ≥99.5% HPLC purity, with sequence identity confirmed by mass spectrometry on every batch. Batch-specific certificates of analysis are included.
Sequence
Y-Aib-EGTFTSDYSI-Aib-LDKIAQKAFVQWLIAGGPSSGAPPPS (γGlu-C20 fatty acid side chain)
Molecular weight
4813.5 g/mol
CAS
2023788-19-2
Purity
≥99.5%
Storage
−20°C, protected from light
Vial format
10mg / vial
Frequently asked
What receptors does tirzepatide engage?
GLP-1R and GIPR — the two major incretin receptors. It does not engage the glucagon receptor.
How does tirzepatide differ from semaglutide?
Tirzepatide is a dual GLP-1 + GIP agonist. Semaglutide is a GLP-1 mono-agonist. The dual-incretin profile produces a different downstream signalling pattern in head-to-head research.
What is the molecular weight of tirzepatide?
Approximately 4813.5 g/mol for the 39-amino-acid peptide with C20 fatty-acid modification.
⚠ For research use only. Not for human consumption.