Tirzepatide

What it is

Tirzepatide is a peptide that acts as a dual agonist: it acts simultaneously on the receptors for GLP-1 and GIP, two hormones involved in blood-glucose and energy metabolism. It was developed as a medicine and is registered in Europe under the brand name Mounjaro.

Mechanism of action

Because tirzepatide acts on two receptors at once, it differs pharmacologically from substances that act only on the GLP-1 receptor. Both receptors play a role in insulin release and in satiety signalling. This describes the point of action, not a guaranteed effect in an individual situation.

Research status

Tirzepatide has been studied in large randomised clinical trials in humans. On that basis it was assessed and registered as a medicine, with an officially established indication and a package leaflet.

Regulatory status

Tirzepatide is a registered medicine. It is registered by the EMA (brand name Mounjaro) and approved by the FDA. In the Netherlands it is prescription-only.

An important distinction. As with semaglutide, the approved product is a controlled, prescription-only medicine. "Research tirzepatide" from the informal market falls outside that system; composition and provenance are not guaranteed there. See Quality & provenance.

What remains unknown

For the registered medicine a physician weighs efficacy and safety per patient within the approved indication; side effects and interactions are listed in the package leaflet. For unregulated material that certainty does not exist.