Peptide
Reference library
Educational peptide reference — research use only.
Research & educational use only
For laboratory and educational research only. Not for human or veterinary consumption. This is not medical advice. Always follow applicable laws and consult qualified professionals.
The calculator performs unit math for research reference. It must not be used to plan or guide dosing in humans or animals. Verify all figures independently in your lab protocol.
Tirzepatide
A GIP/GLP-1 dual agonist studied in diabetes and obesity research.
- Half-life (approx.)
- ~5 days (approx., subQ)
- Diluent
- Pre-mixed pen or BW per research vial
- Common vials
- 5, 10, 15, 30 mg
Half-life figures are literature approximations for educational reference — not pharmacokinetic advice.
Overview
Tirzepatide (LY3298176) is a dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist ('twincretin') with superior weight-loss endpoints to selective GLP-1 agents in head-to-head trials. Weekly dosing and dual incretin mechanism distinguish it in metabolic research. First dual GIP/GLP-1 agonist with phase 3 SURPASS and SURMOUNT outcome data.
Structure & identity
GIP/GLP-1 dual agonist with C20 fatty di-acid linker
- Chemical name
- Tirzepatide (LY3298176)
- Sequence / structure
- 39-amino-acid dual incretin agonist (GIP/GLP-1) with C20 fatty-di-acid linker for albumin binding
- Formula
- C225H348N48O68
- Molecular weight
- 4813.46 g/mol
- CAS
- 2023788-19-2
Status: FDA-approved (Mounjaro, Zepbound).
Mechanism
Tirzepatide activates both glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptors. Dual pathway engagement enhances glucose-dependent insulin secretion, suppresses glucagon in hyperglycemia, slows gastric emptying, and reduces appetite signaling in published metabolic research. Activity is glucose-dependent rather than constitutive receptor stimulation.
Dual GIP/GLP-1 agonist with synergistic incretin signaling for glucose and weight endpoints. Synergistic incretin co-activation produces class-leading weight and glycemic endpoints in trials.
Studies & clinical programs
SURPASS Phase 3 program(Phase 3)
Adults with type 2 diabetes
- HbA1c reductions up to ~2.5 percentage points from baseline at higher doses in pivotal trials.
- Mean body-weight loss up to ~11 kg reported across SURPASS arms.
- Head-to-head SURPASS-2 showed glycemic and weight endpoints versus semaglutide comparators.
Source: Lancet 2021; SURPASS-2
SURMOUNT obesity program(Phase 3)
Adults with overweight or obesity (with and without diabetes)
- SURMOUNT-1 reported up to ~21% mean weight loss at the 15 mg dose arm.
- Sustained weight reduction through the trial treatment period in published analyses.
Source: N Engl J Med 2022; SURMOUNT-1
Research models in literature
- SURPASS diabetes trials
- SURMOUNT obesity program
Literature highlights
- Dual GIP/GLP-1 agonist evaluated in SURPASS diabetes and SURMOUNT obesity programs.
- Synergistic incretin signaling produces weight and glycemic endpoints in phase 3 trials.
- FDA-approved (Mounjaro, Zepbound) — benchmark for next-generation incretin research.
Key targets & pathways
Research areas
Routes in research literature
Also known as
Stability & storage phases
| Phase | Condition | Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| Lyophilized | Sealed vial, refrigerated (2–8 °C) | Intact lyophilized cake or powder is typically stable for months to years per published stability data; protect from moisture, light, and repeated freeze-thaw of the dry vial. |
| Reconstituted | Bacteriostatic water (0.9% benzyl alcohol), refrigerated | Most aqueous peptide solutions remain usable for approximately 2–4 weeks refrigerated; verify published stability data and label with reconstitution date. |
| Working aliquots | Pre-drawn syringes or microtubes, frozen (−20 °C) | Aliquot promptly after mixing to limit freeze-thaw cycles on the main vial; thaw once and use to reduce protease-mediated degradation. |
Stability windows are formulation-dependent — verify published data and your lab SOP.
Reconstitution reference table
| Vial (mg) | Diluent (mL) | mcg/mL | Units @ 100 mcg | Units @ 250 mcg | Units @ 500 mcg |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 2 | 2500.0 | 4 | 10 | 20 |
| 10 | 2 | 5000.0 | 2 | 5 | 10 |
| 15 | 2 | 7500.0 | 1.3 | 3.3 | 6.7 |
| 30 | 2 | 15000.0 | 0.7 | 1.7 | 3.3 |
U-100 insulin syringe scale (100 units = 1 mL). Illustrative only — not dosing guidance.
Reconstitution steps
- Allow vial to reach room temperature (15–30 min)
- Swab rubber stopper with alcohol prep pad
- Draw calculated bacteriostatic water into syringe
- Inject diluent slowly down vial wall — do not spray directly onto cake
- Gently swirl until fully dissolved — do not shake vigorously
- Label with date, concentration, and diluent volume
- Refrigerate and use within your lab stability window
Research formulations vary; pre-filled pens use different concentrations.
Laboratory record checklist
- Compound identity recorded in lab notebook (name, lot, preparation date)
- Analytical identity cross-checked against published sequence or structure
- Potency or concentration documented from analytical certificate when available
- Purity or HPLC data filed when provided with research material
- Appearance noted: intact lyophilized cake or uniform powder
- Sterility / endotoxin report archived when available
- Storage temperature applied immediately per published stability guidance