Tirzepatide was developed as a dual agonist to both GLP-1 and gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP) receptors (Frias et al., 2018). Similar to GLP-1, GIP is an incretin hormone that functions to induce insulin secretion.

Uses:

Tirzepatide is used with a proper diet and exercise program to control high blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes. Controlling high blood sugar helps prevent kidney damage, blindness, nerve problems, loss of limbs, and sexual function problems.

Mechanism of action:

It works to stimulate first- and second-phase insulin secretion, and reduces glucagon levels, both in a glucose-dependent manner. Tirzepatide was also shown to delay gastric emptying, lower fasting and postprandial glucose concentration, decrease food intake, 4 and reduce body weight in patients with type 2 diabetes.