Sequence, molecular data, research status and testing standards for Tirzepatide, written for Canadian researchers.
Tirzepatide is a synthetic peptide designed to activate two gut hormone receptors at once: GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) and GLP-1. It was developed by Eli Lilly and is often called a "dual agonist" or "twincretin".
Tirzepatide has been studied in large clinical trial programs and is authorized by Health Canada as the prescription drug Mounjaro. It belongs to the incretin family of drugs and adds GIP-receptor activity to the GLP-1 activity found in semaglutide. Research continues across metabolic research areas.
What it is: A weekly injection that copies two gut hormones at once.
The plain-English story: The two-spotlight medicine: one weekly injection that copies two gut hormones at once. It helps release insulin when blood sugar is high, slows digestion and tells the brain you are full. It is a real prescription medicine in Canada (Mounjaro) with large trials behind it, so it should only come from a pharmacy.
What it does in the body: It helps the body release insulin when blood sugar is high, slows digestion and tells the brain you are full.
What researchers are looking at: Proven in large clinical trials.
What you may hear online: Videos often call it a stronger version of semaglutide.
The straight story: It is a prescription medicine for specific conditions. Products sold outside a pharmacy are unauthorized and cannot be trusted.
The catch (where it stands in Canada): An authorized prescription medicine in Canada (Mounjaro).
Educational information only. Not medical advice, and not a claim that this peptide is safe or effective for any use.
Peptide Authority summarizes published research for educational purposes only. Nothing here is medical advice or a claim that Tirzepatide is safe or effective for any use.
| Receptors targeted | Status in Canada | |
|---|---|---|
| Semaglutide | GLP-1 | Authorized prescription drug (e.g. Ozempic, Wegovy) |
| Tirzepatide | GIP + GLP-1 | Authorized prescription drug (Mounjaro) |
| Retatrutide | GIP + GLP-1 + glucagon | Investigational, not authorized |
See the semaglutide and retatrutide profiles.
Tirzepatide is a prescription drug. In Canada it may only be sold through licensed pharmacies with a valid prescription, and only as an authorized brand-name product. Selling tirzepatide outside that system is illegal, and Health Canada has warned about unauthorized weight-loss injectables sold online. Read how peptides are regulated in Canada.
Tirzepatide is a synthetic peptide designed to activate two gut hormone receptors at once: GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) and GLP-1. It was developed by Eli Lilly and is often called a "dual agonist" or "twincretin". It is also known as Mounjaro, GIP/GLP-1 dual agonist.
Tirzepatide is a prescription drug. In Canada it may only be sold through licensed pharmacies with a valid prescription, and only as an authorized brand-name product. Selling tirzepatide outside that system is illegal, and Health Canada has warned about unauthorized weight-loss injectables sold online.
It is a prescription drug that should only come from a licensed pharmacy with a prescription. Products sold online as tirzepatide outside that system are unauthorized and their contents cannot be verified. Speak with a licensed healthcare professional about authorized options.
Tirzepatide activates two receptors (GIP and GLP-1), semaglutide activates one (GLP-1) and retatrutide is designed to activate three (GIP, GLP-1 and glucagon). Semaglutide and tirzepatide are authorized prescription drugs in Canada; retatrutide is still investigational.
39 amino acids (modified, lipidated) · 4731.3 g/mol
This profile is for information only and is not medical advice. This profile is educational only and is not medical advice. See our full disclaimer.