TirZama is Zama Biosciences’ designation for tirzepatide (development code LY3298176), a synthetic 39-amino-acid peptide with agonist activity at two incretin receptors: the glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide receptor and the glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor. Molecular formula C225H348N48O68S, molecular weight 4813.5 g/mol.
It was the first dual GIP/GLP-1 agonist to reach regulatory approval and remains the reference compound for the class.
Research context
The published literature examines tirzepatide’s effects on glycaemic control, insulin secretion and energy balance. Its research interest lies substantially in the comparison between dual and single incretin receptor engagement — GIP receptor activity appears to contribute effects not reproduced by GLP-1 agonism alone, and the mechanism behind that difference remains an active question.
For researchers working across this class, RetZama (retatrutide) adds glucagon receptor agonism to the same GIP/GLP-1 scaffold, and cagrilintide approaches metabolic regulation through the mechanistically separate amylin pathway.
Two structural features are worth noting. Aib residues at positions 2 and 13 are non-standard amino acids that block DPP-4 cleavage, the enzyme that rapidly degrades native incretins. And the lysine at position 20 carries a C20 fatty diacid conjugated through an AEEA-AEEA-gGlu linker, which promotes albumin binding and extends plasma half-life sufficiently for weekly-interval protocols in study designs.
For a fuller treatment of the sequence, published models and technical data, see the tirzepatide research guide.
Specification
CAS number 2023788-19-2. Supplied as a white lyophilized powder, soluble in sterile or bacteriostatic water. This batch assayed at 99.58% purity, verified by HPLC and LC-MS at ILS Lab. Available in 5mg, 10mg and 20mg presentations.
Handling
Reconstitute with bacteriostatic or sterile water, introducing the diluent against the vial wall and swirling gently rather than shaking. Store lyophilized at −20°C protected from light; refrigerate at 2–8°C once reconstituted.
Ships with a batch-specific Certificate of Analysis. Cross-check the batch ID printed on your vial against the CoA before use — see the guide to reading a CoA if you are unfamiliar with the format.
Frequently asked questions about tirzepatide
What is the difference between tirzepatide and semaglutide?
Receptor coverage. Semaglutide is a single GLP-1 receptor agonist; tirzepatide engages both GLP-1 and GIP receptors. That second receptor is what defines the compound class and appears to contribute effects not reproduced by GLP-1 agonism alone. For research comparing single against dual incretin engagement, semaglutide is the standard baseline comparator.
What purity should tirzepatide be?
Research-grade material is typically 98% or above; this batch assayed at 99.58% by HPLC with identity confirmed by LC-MS at ILS Lab. For a 39-residue peptide carrying non-standard Aib residues and a conjugated fatty diacid side chain, mass spectrometry is not optional — HPLC purity alone cannot confirm that the modifications are present and correctly positioned.
How is tirzepatide reconstituted and stored?
Bacteriostatic or sterile water. Introduce the diluent slowly against the inner wall of the vial and swirl gently to dissolve — do not shake or vortex. Store lyophilized at −20°C protected from light; refrigerate at 2–8°C once reconstituted and avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles. Bacteriostatic water is preferable where the vial will be drawn from more than once.
Tirzepatide or retatrutide for metabolic research?
It depends which receptors the study needs. Tirzepatide covers GIP and GLP-1; retatrutide adds glucagon receptor agonism on the same scaffold, which published work associates with energy expenditure and hepatic lipid handling. Tirzepatide is the better-characterised of the two with a substantially larger literature. Retatrutide is the choice where glucagon receptor involvement is the research question.
Research use only. Not for human or veterinary use, not for use in diagnostic procedures, and not evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
