Tirzepatide is a dual-acting peptide that functions as an agonist at both the GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) and GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptors, offering a novel approach to managing type 2 diabetes and obesity.
It's unique mechanism of action leverages the synergistic effects of two incretin pathways to improve insulin sensitivity, reduce hepatic glucose production, and modulate appetite and satiety. Tirzepatide delays gastric emptying and promotes significant weight loss by acting on central appetite-regulating centers. Administered once weekly via subcutaneous injection, the drug has a long half-life and is well-suited for chronic metabolic conditions. In large-scale trials such as SURPASS (for diabetes) and SURMOUNT (for obesity), tirzepatide demonstrated superior efficacy over conventional GLP-1 receptor agonists in reducing HbA1c and body weight. Use is contraindicated in patients with a history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or those diagnosed with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN 2).
