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Drug family · 2 brands
Tirzepatide family — Zepbound, Mounjaro
GIP/GLP-1 receptor co-agonist. FDA-approved since 2022. Trial weight loss range: 21-22.5% across SURMOUNT-1 + SURPASS programs.
Quick answer
tirzepatide is a GIP/GLP-1 receptor co-agonist. FDA-approved brand-name medications containing tirzepatide: Zepbound, Mounjaro. Trial weight loss varies from 21-22.5% across SURMOUNT-1 + SURPASS programs. Each brand is FDA-approved for a specific indication; prescribers choose based on patient diagnosis and insurance coverage.
- Manufacturer: Eli Lilly
- FDA indications: 3 — obesity, type 2 diabetes, OSA + obesity (Zepbound)
- Trial weight loss: 21-22.5%
- Highest efficacy ranges in GLP-1 class
- Frequency: Once-weekly subcutaneous injection
- Notable feature: Dual GIP/GLP-1 mechanism
- GIP receptor activation differentiates from semaglutide family
Mechanism of action
Tirzepatide is a single-molecule dual agonist of both the glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptor and the GLP-1 receptor. Dual activation produces greater insulin response, glucagon suppression, gastric emptying delay, and central appetite modulation than GLP-1 monotherapy. The result: 20-22% trial weight loss vs 15% for injectable semaglutide — the highest efficacy GLP-1 class drug currently approved.
FDA-approved brands containing tirzepatide
All brands share active ingredient tirzepatide but differ in indication, dosing, and formulation.
Alternatives outside the tirzepatide family
If tirzepatide options don't fit, these GLP-1 medications use a different active ingredient:
Common questions
What's the difference between Zepbound and Mounjaro?
Same active ingredient (tirzepatide), same dose strengths, same manufacturer. Zepbound is FDA-approved for chronic weight management (also OSA + obesity); Mounjaro for type 2 diabetes. Prescribers choose based on FDA-approved indication.
Is tirzepatide more effective than semaglutide?
Head-to-head SURMOUNT-5 trial (2024) showed tirzepatide produced ~22.5% body-weight reduction vs ~15% for semaglutide in 72 weeks. Tirzepatide also showed greater HbA1c reduction in diabetes trials. The dual GIP/GLP-1 mechanism gives tirzepatide an edge on both metabolic outcomes. Individual response varies; prescriber assessment recommended.
Is there an oral form of tirzepatide?
Не yet. Lilly is developing orforglipron (oral non-peptide GLP-1) but it is not the same molecule as tirzepatide and has different mechanism. Tirzepatide remains injection-only as of 2026.
What about compounded tirzepatide?
FDA declared tirzepatide shortage resolved in October 2024. 503A pharmacies may compound for individualized clinical needs only; 503B mass production largely paused. Lilly Self-Pay Vials offer brand tirzepatide directly at $349-499/month for более affordable access to FDA-approved product.
References
Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline: Pharmacological Management of Obesity(2015)
STEP-1 trial: Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity (Wilding et al., NEJM)(2021)
SURMOUNT-1 trial: Tirzepatide Once Weekly for Treatment of Obesity (Jastreboff et al., NEJM)(2022)
SUSTAIN-6 trial: Semaglutide and Cardiovascular Outcomes (Marso et al., NEJM)(2016)
SURPASS-2 trial: Tirzepatide vs Semaglutide in Type 2 Diabetes (Frias et al., NEJM)(2021)
LEADER trial: Liraglutide and Cardiovascular Outcomes in T2D (Marso et al., NEJM)(2016)
SURMOUNT-OSA: Tirzepatide for Obstructive Sleep Apnea + Obesity (NEJM)(2024)
AASM Clinical Practice Guideline: Treatment of OSA in Adults(2019)
Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists: Mechanisms and Clinical Use (Drucker, Cell Metabolism)(2018)
Tirzepatide GIP/GLP-1 Dual Agonism: Mechanism Review (Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology)(2021)
GLP-1 Effects on Gastric Emptying: Pharmacology Review (American J Physiology)(2020)