Tirzepatide is a dual receptor agonist that activates both GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) and GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) receptors at the same time. It is a 39-amino-acid synthetic peptide based on the native GIP sequence, modified with a C20 fatty diacid chain that binds to albumin in the blood and extends the half-life to approximately 5 days. That extended half-life is what allows once-weekly dosing. Tirzepatide works by simultaneously activating t