What is Tirzepatide?
Tirzepatide, development code LY3298176, is a synthetic peptide that activates two incretin receptors: GIP and GLP-1. It is one of the best-characterised reference compounds in metabolic research. This page covers its structure, mechanism, handling and quality.
Structure and properties
Tirzepatide is a peptide of 39 amino acids based on the GIP sequence. A C20 fatty-diacid side chain binds it to albumin, giving it a half-life of around five days in clinical studies.
It is supplied as a lyophilised (freeze-dried) powder and is reconstituted with bacteriostatic or sterile water before use in an experiment.
- Development code: LY3298176
- Class: dual GIP / GLP-1 receptor agonist
- Length: 39 amino acids, lipidated
- Form: lyophilised powder in 15 mg vials
How tirzepatide works
GIP and GLP-1 are incretins: hormones released by the gut after a meal that stimulate insulin secretion. Tirzepatide activates both receptors with a single molecule, which is why it is sometimes called a 'twincretin'.
That makes it a useful compound for comparing single GLP-1 agonism with dual GIP/GLP-1 agonism – and, alongside retatrutide, with triple agonism that adds the glucagon receptor.
- GLP-1 receptor – insulin secretion, gastric emptying and appetite regulation
- GIP receptor – insulin secretion and fat metabolism
Research status
Tirzepatide was developed by Eli Lilly and is authorised as a prescription medicine under its own brand names.
The tirzepatide supplied by Virexa Labs is not a medicinal product: it is a research reagent for in-vitro laboratory work only – not for human or veterinary use.
Tirzepatide vs. retatrutide
Both are lipidated 39-amino-acid peptides with a long half-life. Tirzepatide acts on two receptors (GIP and GLP-1); retatrutide acts on three (GIP, GLP-1 and glucagon). Studied side by side, they show what each additional receptor contributes.
- Tirzepatide (LY3298176): dual GIP/GLP-1 agonist
- Retatrutide (LY3437943): triple GIP/GLP-1/glucagon agonist
Storage and reconstitution
Store lyophilised vials at −20 °C, dry and protected from light; 2–8 °C is fine for short periods. After reconstitution with bacteriostatic water, keep the solution at 2–8 °C and use it within about four weeks. Avoid repeated freezing and thawing.
Our peptide calculator works out concentrations for you, and the storage guide describes the full procedure step by step.
Purity and quality at Virexa Labs
Every batch is tested by HPLC for ≥99% purity and by mass spectrometry for identity. The batch-specific Certificate of Analysis (COA) is published online on the product page and in our COA library.
Orders paid before 15:00 on working days ship the same day, in discreet packaging with tracking: 1–2 working days to Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany, 2–5 working days to Italy and Türkiye.
Metabolic research peptides
Frequently asked questions
Is your tirzepatide a medicine?
No. Our tirzepatide is a research reagent for laboratory use, not a medicinal product, and is not intended for human or veterinary use.
What is the difference between tirzepatide and retatrutide?
Tirzepatide activates the GIP and GLP-1 receptors; retatrutide also activates the glucagon receptor.
Which strength is available?
15 mg vials of lyophilised powder with ≥99% HPLC purity.
What do I reconstitute tirzepatide with?
Usually bacteriostatic water (0.9% benzyl alcohol), which we also sell. Add it slowly along the wall of the vial and swirl gently – don't shake.
How fast is delivery?
1–2 working days in Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany; 2–5 working days to Italy and Türkiye.