Tirzepatide Canada: Dual-Agonist (GIP/GLP-1) Research Peptide Guide
10 Jul 2026Tirzepatide (development code LY3298176) is a dual-agonist research peptide that activates both the GIP and GLP-1 incretin receptors from a single molecule — the first "twincretin" of its kind. This guide is a complete reference for Canadian laboratory researchers: molecular profile, dual-agonist mechanism, pharmacokinetics, SURMOUNT-1 clinical data, safety findings, third-party purity, and domestic sourcing of Tirzepatide 10 mg.
Key takeaways
- The first dual incretin agonist. Tirzepatide activates both GIP and GLP-1 receptors from one molecule — one pathway more than semaglutide, one fewer than retatrutide.
- Extensively studied in SURMOUNT and SURPASS. Its dual GIP/GLP-1 pharmacology was characterized across large randomized trials, making it a key comparator to semaglutide and retatrutide.
- Independently verified. 99.65% HPLC purity, lot TIRZ10-0626-01, third-party tested by Testides — COA on the product page.
- Transparent Canadian-dollar pricing. The current price for the 10 mg vial is on the product page, with no conversion or duties.
- Research use only. FDA-approved clinically as Mounjaro/Zepbound, but supplied here strictly for laboratory research — not for human consumption.
- Canadian-owned, shipped domestically with free, tracked Canada-wide shipping and no minimum order.
Tirzepatide Quick Facts
| Compound class | Dual incretin agonist (GIP / GLP-1 receptor agonist) |
|---|---|
| Development code | LY3298176 (Eli Lilly) |
| CAS number | 2023788-19-2 |
| Molecular formula | C225H348N48O68 |
| Molar mass | ~4813.5 g/mol |
| Peptide length | 39 amino acids, fatty-acid modified |
| Vials | 10 mg (SKU TIRZ-10MG) — the only stocked format |
| Verified purity | 99.65% by HPLC-UV (214 nm), lot TIRZ10-0626-01 (Testides) |
| Storage | Lyophilized (sealed): store cool and dark; -20°C long-term. |
| Developer / status | Eli Lilly; FDA-approved as Mounjaro/Zepbound (research use only here) |
| Shipping origin | Ships from British Columbia, Canada |
| Price | Current pricing for the 10 mg vial (SKU TIRZ-10MG) is on the product page, with free, tracked Canada-wide shipping and no minimum order. |
What Is Tirzepatide?
Tirzepatide is a single-molecule peptide engineered to act as a dual agonist at two distinct incretin receptors: the glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptor and the glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor. Developed by Eli Lilly and marketed clinically as Mounjaro and Zepbound, it was the first dual incretin agonist approved for its clinical indications — a step beyond the single-target GLP-1 agonist semaglutide.
In the research literature, tirzepatide has been evaluated across the SURPASS (type 2 diabetes) and SURMOUNT (obesity) clinical programs, making it one of the most-studied incretin peptides of the current era. It is supplied for laboratory work as a lyophilized powder for research use only, and is not a compounded medication or intended for administration to humans or animals.
Molecular Profile
Tirzepatide is a linear peptide of 39 amino acids carrying a fatty-acid (C20 diacid) modification that promotes albumin binding and underlies its long circulation time. Its defined chemistry is one reason it is used as a research reference compound.
| CAS number | 2023788-19-2 |
|---|---|
| Development code | LY3298176 |
| Molecular formula | C225H348N48O68 |
| Molar mass | ~4813.5 g/mol |
| Length | 39 amino acids, fatty-acid (C20 diacid) modified |
| Class | Dual GIP / GLP-1 receptor agonist |
| Originator | Eli Lilly and Company |
Verifying identity and purity against a Certificate of Analysis is standard before a lot enters a protocol. ↑ Back to top
The Dual-Agonist Mechanism (GIP + GLP-1)
Incretins are gut-derived hormones that modulate insulin secretion and metabolic signaling. Conventional GLP-1 agonists engage only the GLP-1 receptor; tirzepatide is distinct because one molecule engages both GIP and GLP-1 receptors simultaneously. This "twincretin" activity lets researchers study whether combined receptor engagement produces additive or synergistic effects versus single-receptor agonism.
That mechanistic step underlies the comparative research interest in tirzepatide relative to GLP-1-only semaglutide and the newer triple agonist retatrutide, which adds glucagon-receptor activity. The full three-way analysis is in our comparison guide. ↑ Back to top
Pharmacokinetics & Half-Life
Tirzepatide's fatty-acid modification gives it an elimination half-life of approximately five days, the pharmacokinetic property behind its extended duration of action. Because clearance is slow, circulating levels build gradually toward steady state in pharmacokinetic studies.
For laboratory handling, concentration accuracy matters when characterising the material; identity and purity should be confirmed against the Certificate of Analysis before a lot enters a protocol. ↑ Back to top
Clinical Research: SURMOUNT-1 Data
The pivotal published obesity study is SURMOUNT-1 (Jastreboff AM, Aronne LJ, Ahmad NN, et al., New England Journal of Medicine, 2022). Over 72 weeks it evaluated tirzepatide against placebo across a range of concentrations. The reported endpoints are summarized in the primary publication.
SURMOUNT-1 (DOI: 10.1056/NEJMoa2206038; PMID: 35658024; NCT04184622) is the primary reference for this trial. These describe outcomes in the trial population and are not guidance for use of the research material sold here. ↑ Back to top
Safety & Adverse Events in Trials
Across the tirzepatide clinical program the most frequently reported adverse events were gastrointestinal and concentration-dependent — predominantly nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting, increasing in incidence with concentration. These figures describe outcomes in the supervised clinical trial population and are reported here for scientific reference only, not as guidance. ↑ Back to top
Tirzepatide vs Semaglutide vs Retatrutide
The three compounds represent successive generations of incretin research. The table lists receptor targets, development status, and the research formats stocked in Canada for each compound — from different trials and populations, not a head-to-head comparison.
| Compound | Receptor targets | Developer | Status | Formats stocked |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tirzepatide | GIP + GLP-1 (dual) | Eli Lilly | Approved (Mounjaro/Zepbound) | 10 mg |
| Semaglutide | GLP-1 (single) | Novo Nordisk | Approved (Ozempic/Wegovy) | 5 mg · 10 mg |
| Retatrutide | GIP + GLP-1 + glucagon (triple) | Eli Lilly | Phase 3 (investigational) | 10 mg · 20 mg · 30 mg |
The full analysis is in our Semaglutide vs Tirzepatide vs Retatrutide comparison. ↑ Back to top
Choosing a Research Quantity
ThePeptide.ca currently supplies tirzepatide in a single lyophilized vial size. The choice of quantity is a matter of total peptide per vial — not a personal dosing decision.
- 10 mg vial (SKU TIRZ-10MG): the only stocked tirzepatide format, providing enough peptide per vial for extended or higher-throughput research.
The current lot, TIRZ10-0626-01, was verified at 99.65% purity by HPLC-UV at 214 nm by Testides (Toronto), with 10.34 mg of measured content. ↑ Back to top
Purity, COA & Third-Party Testing
Each tirzepatide lot is independently third-party tested. The current lot, TIRZ10-0626-01, was verified at 99.65% purity by HPLC-UV at 214 nm by Testides. Independent verification means the figure is not self-reported by the vendor, and a Certificate of Analysis accompanies the material. Testides is not accredited to ISO/IEC 17025, and nor is Janoshik Analytical; we publish the measured figure and the lot number rather than an accreditation adjective. To validate a lot yourself, see our guide on where to get research peptides tested in Canada. ↑ Back to top
Handling (Research Context)
Tirzepatide is supplied as a lyophilized powder. Handling, solvent selection, and preparation of working solutions are determined by each laboratory's own validated protocols and the documentation supplied with the material. This page does not provide preparation, solution, or administration instructions. Identity and purity should be confirmed against the Certificate of Analysis before a lot enters any protocol. ↑ Back to top
Storage & Stability
Sealed, unopened lyophilized tirzepatide is held at -20 °C for long-term storage and 2–8 °C for short periods, kept dark and protected from moisture, avoiding repeated warming and freeze-thaw cycling. Inspect for cloudiness or particulates before a lot enters any protocol. This guide covers sealed-vial storage only. ↑ Back to top
Why Canadian Researchers Source Domestically
- No customs seizures — domestic shipments avoid border delays and confiscation risk.
- Faster shipping — in-country logistics protect cold-chain integrity and timelines. Shipping is free and tracked Canada-wide, with no minimum order.
- CAD pricing — transparent Canadian-dollar pricing, no surprise conversion or duties.
See our guide to buying research peptides in Canada. ↑ Back to top
Shop Tirzepatide 10mg — see current price →
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does tirzepatide cost in Canada?
The current price for the tirzepatide 10 mg research vial is on its product page, in Canadian dollars. Every order ships free and tracked across Canada with no minimum order, and volume pricing is automatic at checkout with no code — 10% off at 3 or more units, 15% at 5 or more, 20% at 10 or more, across all products with no exclusions. For comparison, see the current pricing on semaglutide (5 mg and 10 mg) and retatrutide (10, 20 and 30 mg).
Is tirzepatide legal in Canada for research?
Tirzepatide is supplied strictly for laboratory and research use only. It is not approved by Health Canada or the FDA for human use here and is not for human consumption. Research teams are responsible for handling it within their institutional and legal requirements.
What is the difference between tirzepatide and semaglutide?
Tirzepatide is a dual agonist activating both GIP and GLP-1 receptors; semaglutide is a GLP-1-only agonist. Their pivotal trials were SURMOUNT-1 and STEP 1 respectively. See the semaglutide guide.
What is tirzepatide's CAS number and molecular formula?
Tirzepatide (development code LY3298176) has CAS number 2023788-19-2, molecular formula C225H348N48O68, molar mass approximately 4813.5 g/mol, and is a 39-amino-acid dual GIP/GLP-1 agonist developed by Eli Lilly.
What purity is the tirzepatide?
The current lot TIRZ10-0626-01 was independently verified at 99.65% purity by HPLC-UV at 214 nm by the third-party laboratory Testides. A Certificate of Analysis accompanies the material.
What vial sizes are available?
The 10 mg vial (SKU TIRZ-10MG) is the only tirzepatide format we stock; its current price is on the product page. Its lot, TIRZ10-0626-01, was verified at 99.65% purity by HPLC-UV at 214 nm by Testides (Toronto), with 10.34 mg of measured content.
What is SURMOUNT-1?
SURMOUNT-1 (Jastreboff et al., NEJM 2022) is the pivotal published obesity trial of tirzepatide. It evaluated tirzepatide against placebo over 72 weeks across a range of concentrations; see the primary publication for reported endpoints.
What were the main side effects in tirzepatide trials?
The most common adverse events were gastrointestinal — nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting — and increased with concentration. Reported for reference only.
Is tirzepatide the same as Mounjaro?
Tirzepatide is the molecule marketed clinically by Eli Lilly as Mounjaro and Zepbound. The material sold here is a research-use-only peptide, not a branded pharmaceutical, and is not for human consumption.
How does tirzepatide compare to retatrutide?
Retatrutide adds a third (glucagon) receptor to tirzepatide's GIP/GLP-1 pair. See the retatrutide guide and the comparison.
Related Research Resources
- Tirzepatide 10mg (product page & COA)
- Semaglutide vs Tirzepatide vs Retatrutide comparison
- Semaglutide Canada guide · Retatrutide Canada guide
- Where to get research peptides tested in Canada
- How to buy research peptides in Canada
References
- 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. DOI: 10.1056/NEJMoa2206038. PMID: 35658024. NEJM · PubMed
- Frías JP, Davies MJ, Rosenstock J, et al. Tirzepatide versus Semaglutide Once Weekly in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes (SURPASS-2). N Engl J Med. 2021;385(6):503-515. DOI: 10.1056/NEJMoa2107519. PMID: 34170647.
- Tirzepatide (LY3298176), CAS 2023788-19-2 — compound record. Reference entry.
- ClinicalTrials.gov. SURMOUNT-1, NCT04184622. clinicaltrials.gov