Tirzepatide (development code LY3298176; catalog code GLP-2T at Pepitiva) is a synthetic peptide that activates two incretin receptors: the glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide receptor (GIPR)...
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Technical Specifications
Purity
≥98%
Form
Lyophilized powder
Storage
-20°C
Molecular Weight
4813.45 Da (C225H348N48O68)
Sequence
YXEGTFTSDYSIXLDKIAQKAFVQWLIAGGPSSGAPPPS (modified peptide; X = non-coded residues)
CAS Number
2023788-19-2
About Tirzepatide (GLP-2T)
Tirzepatide (development code LY3298176; catalog code GLP-2T at Pepitiva) is a synthetic peptide that activates two incretin receptors: the glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide receptor (GIPR) and the glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R).[1] Developed by Eli Lilly and Company, it was the first dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist to reach the market and is now one of the most studied peptides in metabolic research. Pepitiva supplies tirzepatide as a lyophilized powder (≥98% purity, CAS 2023788-19-2) for in vitro and preclinical research.[12]
Regulatory status
Unlike most compounds in our catalog, tirzepatide is an approved medicine. The FDA approved it for type 2 diabetes in May 2022, for chronic weight management in November 2023, and for moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea with obesity in December 2024.[9][10][11] The product sold here is a research-grade peptide, not a pharmaceutical product, and is intended only for laboratory use.
Why researchers use tirzepatide
Tirzepatide is the reference compound for asking what GIP receptor activity adds to GLP-1 receptor activity. In mice it reduced body weight and food intake more than a selective GLP-1 receptor agonist, and later work showed that its GIPR arm improves insulin sensitivity independently of weight loss.[1][3] It sits between single agonists like semaglutide and the triple agonist retatrutide (GLP-3R).
For research use only. Not for human consumption.
Quality & Storage
≥98% purity. Lyophilized powder. Storage: -20°C. For research purposes only.
Mechanism of Action
Tirzepatide is a single peptide chain with agonist activity at GIPR and GLP-1R, both class B G protein-coupled receptors.[1] Its pharmacology has two features that make it more than a sum of two agonists:
Imbalanced: receptor occupancy modeling at clinically effective concentrations shows greater engagement of GIPR than of GLP-1R.[2]
Biased at GLP-1R: it mimics native GIP at GIPR, but at GLP-1R it favors cAMP generation over β-arrestin recruitment and drives less receptor internalization than GLP-1. In primary islets, this bias was linked to a stronger insulin response.[2]
Role of the GIP receptor
In obese mice lacking the GLP-1 receptor, tirzepatide still improved insulin sensitivity by increasing glucose disposal in white adipose tissue, an effect reproduced by a selective long-acting GIPR agonist.[3] This weight-independent GIPR effect is one of the main reasons the compound is used in mechanistic studies.
Pharmacokinetics and molecular data
Early clinical pharmacokinetics supported once-weekly administration.[1] Formula C225H348N48O68, molecular weight 4813.45 Da. The sequence contains non-coded amino acids, shown as X in the one-letter code.[12]
Research Applications
Clinical research highlights
SURPASS-2 (2021): in type 2 diabetes, tirzepatide was noninferior and superior to semaglutide for HbA1c reduction at 40 weeks, with greater weight loss at every dose.[5]
SURMOUNT-1 (2022): in adults with obesity, mean body weight change at 72 weeks reached −20.9% in the highest dose group against −3.1% with placebo.[4]
SYNERGY-NASH (2024): in steatohepatitis with moderate or severe fibrosis, up to 62% of participants reached resolution without worsening of fibrosis at 52 weeks, against 10% with placebo.[7]
SURMOUNT-OSA (2024): in obstructive sleep apnea with obesity, the apnea-hypopnea index fell by about 25 to 29 events per hour, against about 5 with placebo.[8]
SUMMIT (2025): in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction and obesity, cardiovascular death or worsening heart failure occurred in 9.9% of the tirzepatide group against 15.3% with placebo.[6]
SURMOUNT-5 (2025): in a head-to-head obesity trial, weight change at 72 weeks was −20.2% with tirzepatide against −13.7% with semaglutide.[13]
Across these trials the most common adverse events were gastrointestinal, mostly mild to moderate and concentrated in dose escalation.[4][13]
Laboratory research applications
Biased agonism: cAMP versus β-arrestin signaling and receptor internalization at GLP-1R.[2]
GIPR biology: insulin sensitivity and adipose glucose disposal, including GLP-1R knockout models.[3]
Diet-induced obesity models: food intake, body weight and glycemic control.
Liver research: steatosis and fibrosis models.
Comparative incretin studies: single (semaglutide), dual (tirzepatide) and triple (retatrutide, GLP-3R) agonism side by side, or combined approaches with the amylin analogue cagrilintide. For adipose research through non-incretin pathways, see AOD-9604 and CBL-514.
The clinical findings above are summarized as scientific background only. This product is a research-grade peptide sold for laboratory use and is not intended for human or veterinary use.
Storage & Handling Guidelines
Proper storage and handling are essential to maintain peptide integrity and ensure reliable research results. All Pepitiva Biolabs peptides are supplied as lyophilized (freeze-dried) powder, which provides excellent long-term stability when stored correctly. Store lyophilized peptides at -20°C for long-term storage or 2-8°C for short-term use. Once reconstituted, peptide solutions should be stored at 2-8°C and used within the timeframe specified in the product documentation. Always use sterile bacteriostatic water for reconstitution and handle peptides in a clean laboratory environment to prevent contamination. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles, as thermal stress can cause peptide degradation and loss of biological activity.
Quality Control & Certification
This product is manufactured under strict quality control protocols and has been verified through comprehensive analytical testing. Each batch undergoes reverse-phase HPLC analysis for purity determination and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) for molecular identity confirmation. A detailed Certificate of Analysis (COA) is available for download, documenting purity percentage, molecular weight verification, appearance, and recommended storage conditions. Pepitiva Biolabs maintains batch-level traceability from synthesis through delivery, ensuring complete transparency and quality assurance for your research.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is GLP-2T?
GLP-2T is Pepitiva's catalog code for tirzepatide (LY3298176), a dual agonist of the GIP and GLP-1 receptors.
Is tirzepatide FDA approved?
Yes. The FDA approved tirzepatide for type 2 diabetes (2022), chronic weight management (2023) and obstructive sleep apnea with obesity (2024). The research-grade peptide sold here is not a pharmaceutical product and is for laboratory use only.
How is tirzepatide different from semaglutide?
Semaglutide acts on one receptor (GLP-1R). Tirzepatide also activates the GIP receptor, and its GIPR arm contributes to insulin sensitivity independently of weight loss in preclinical studies. In head-to-head trials, tirzepatide produced greater reductions in HbA1c and body weight. See semaglutide.
How is tirzepatide different from retatrutide?
Retatrutide adds a third target, the glucagon receptor, which increases energy expenditure in preclinical models. See Retatrutide (GLP-3R).
What is the molecular weight of tirzepatide?
4813.45 Da, with the molecular formula C225H348N48O68 (KEGG DRUG D11360).
How should tirzepatide be stored?
Keep the lyophilized powder at −20 °C, protected from light and moisture.
Is this product approved for human use?
No. This product is intended exclusively for in vitro scientific research and laboratory use. It is not approved for human or veterinary use, not intended for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes, and should not be administered to humans or animals under any circumstances.
How do I reconstitute this peptide?
Add sterile bacteriostatic water slowly to the vial, directing the stream against the glass wall rather than directly onto the lyophilized powder. Gently swirl the vial until the powder is fully dissolved — do not shake vigorously. The recommended reconstitution volume depends on your desired concentration. Refer to the product documentation for specific guidance.
Can I get a Certificate of Analysis (COA)?
Yes. A Certificate of Analysis is included with every order and is also available for download from the product page. The COA documents HPLC purity, mass spectrometry identity confirmation, batch number, production date, and storage recommendations.
Scientific References
Coskun T, Sloop KW, Loghin C, et al. LY3298176, a novel dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus: From discovery to clinical proof of concept. Mol Metab. 2018;18:3-14. PubMed
Willard FS, Douros JD, Gabe MB, et al. Tirzepatide is an imbalanced and biased dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist. JCI Insight. 2020;5(17):e140532. PubMed
Samms RJ, Christe ME, Collins KA, et al. GIPR agonism mediates weight-independent insulin sensitization by tirzepatide in obese mice. J Clin Invest. 2021;131(12):e146353. PubMed
Jastreboff AM, Aronne LJ, Ahmad NN, et al. Tirzepatide Once Weekly for the Treatment of Obesity. N Engl J Med. 2022;387(3):205-216. PubMed
Frías JP, Davies MJ, Rosenstock J, et al. Tirzepatide versus Semaglutide Once Weekly in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes. N Engl J Med. 2021;385(6):503-515. PubMed
Packer M, Zile MR, Kramer CM, et al. Tirzepatide for Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction and Obesity. N Engl J Med. 2025;392(5):427-437. PubMed
Loomba R, Hartman ML, Lawitz EJ, et al. Tirzepatide for Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatohepatitis with Liver Fibrosis. N Engl J Med. 2024;391(4):299-310. PubMed
Malhotra A, Grunstein RR, Fietze I, et al. Tirzepatide for the Treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Obesity. N Engl J Med. 2024;391(13):1193-1205. PubMed
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Drugs@FDA: NDA 215866 (tirzepatide), Eli Lilly and Co; original approval May 13, 2022. Source
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. FDA Approves New Medication for Chronic Weight Management. Press release, November 8, 2023. Source
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. FDA Approves First Medication for Obstructive Sleep Apnea. Press release, December 20, 2024. Source
KEGG DRUG D11360: Tirzepatide. Formula C225H348N48O68, molecular weight 4813.45. Source
Aronne LJ, Horn DB, le Roux CW, et al. Tirzepatide as Compared with Semaglutide for the Treatment of Obesity. N Engl J Med. 2025;393(1):26-36. PubMed
Sources are peer-reviewed publications indexed in PubMed and trial registrations on ClinicalTrials.gov. Each citation was checked against its PubMed record.
For research use only. Not for human consumption.
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