Tirzepatide

How it works

Two gut-hormone receptors, GIP and GLP-1, in one weekly shot: insulin rises with sugar, appetite drops. For diabetes and obesity.

What it's made of

39 amino acids built on GIP, another gut hormone, with 2 Aib units that DPP-4 does not cut and a 20-carbon fat that sticks it to albumin. It activates the GIP and GLP-1 receptors.

What it's for

Prescribed for

Type 2 diabetes from age 10; fewer heart attacks and strokes in high-risk people with diabetes (US, August 2026); obesity, or overweight with another disease; sleep apnea with obesity (US).