Tirzepatide Canada: Dual-Agonist (GIP/GLP-1) Research Peptide Guide
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By the ThePeptide Research Team · Verified against third-party COA lot TIRZ10-0626-01 (Testides) · Last updated July 2026
Tirzepatide (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, reconstitution, and domestic sourcing of Tirzepatide (5 mg & 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.
- Class-leading published weight loss for a dual agonist. 20.9% mean at 72 weeks (15 mg, SURMOUNT-1), versus 14.9% for semaglutide in STEP-1.
- Independently verified. 99.65% HPLC purity, lot TIRZ10-0626-01, third-party tested by Testides — COA on the product page.
- Research use only. FDA-approved clinically as Mounjaro/Zepbound, but supplied here strictly for laboratory research — not for human consumption.
- Made in Canada, shipped domestically, from $54.00 CAD.
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 | 5 mg (SKU TIRZ-5MG) & 10 mg (SKU TIRZ-10MG) |
| Verified purity | 99.65% by HPLC-UV (214 nm), lot TIRZ10-0626-01 (Testides) |
| Storage | Lyophilized: cool & dark; reconstituted: refrigerate 2–8 °C |
| Developer / status | Eli Lilly; FDA-approved as Mounjaro/Zepbound (research use only here) |
| Origin | Made and shipped in Canada |
| Price | From $54.00 CAD (5mg) / $59.00 (10mg) |
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 reconstitution and 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, which is what supports the once-weekly dosing used throughout its clinical program. In the trials it was administered once weekly and titrated stepwise from a low starting dose — the same slow-steady-state property behind the four-week escalation intervals detailed in our research dosing reference.
For laboratory handling, concentration accuracy matters when preparing working solutions — use the reconstitution calculator to convert vial mass and solvent volume into a precise mg/mL concentration. ↑ 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 reported the following mean body-weight reductions across doses versus placebo. These are reported research findings, presented strictly to summarize the trial.
| Dose (as administered) | Duration | Mean body-weight reduction |
|---|---|---|
| Tirzepatide 5 mg | 72 weeks | 15.0% |
| Tirzepatide 10 mg | 72 weeks | 19.5% |
| Tirzepatide 15 mg | 72 weeks | 20.9% |
| Placebo | 72 weeks | 3.1% |
SURMOUNT-1 (DOI: 10.1056/NEJMoa2206038; PMID: 35658024; NCT04184622) established the dose-dependent effect across arms. 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 dose-dependent — predominantly nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting, increasing in incidence with dose. This is the reason the trials used gradual stepwise dose escalation rather than starting at the maintenance dose. 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 and peak weight reduction from each compound's pivotal trial — each figure from a different trial and population, not a head-to-head comparison.
| Compound | Receptor targets | Peak trial reduction | Developer | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tirzepatide | GIP + GLP-1 (dual) | 20.9% (SURMOUNT-1) | Eli Lilly | Approved (Mounjaro/Zepbound) |
| Semaglutide | GLP-1 (single) | 14.9% (STEP 1) | Novo Nordisk | Approved (Ozempic/Wegovy) |
| Retatrutide | GIP + GLP-1 + glucagon (triple) | 30.3% (TRIUMPH-1) | Eli Lilly | Phase 3 (investigational) |
The full analysis is in our Semaglutide vs Tirzepatide vs Retatrutide comparison. ↑ Back to top
5mg vs 10mg: Choosing a Research Quantity
ThePeptide.ca supplies tirzepatide in two lyophilized vial sizes. The choice is a matter of total peptide quantity per vial — not a personal dosing decision.
- 5 mg vial (SKU TIRZ-5MG, from $54.00 CAD): a smaller quantity for shorter protocols, method development, or projects needing less total peptide.
- 10 mg vial (SKU TIRZ-10MG, from $59.00 CAD): more peptide per vial, reducing vial count for extended or higher-throughput research.
Both contain the same 99.65%-verified material; only total mass differs. Use the bacteriostatic water chart to plan reconstitution volume for either size. ↑ 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. To validate a lot yourself, see our guide on where to get research peptides tested in Canada. ↑ Back to top
Reconstitution & Handling (Research Context)
Tirzepatide ships as a lyophilized powder and must be reconstituted before use. In general lab practice it is reconstituted with bacteriostatic water added slowly down the vial wall, then swirled gently (not shaken) until dissolved. Our reconstitution calculator and how much bacteriostatic water to add guide give exact concentrations, and fine measurement uses U-100 insulin syringes. Laboratory technique only. ↑ Back to top
Storage & Stability
Lyophilized tirzepatide is most stable kept sealed, cool, and dark; many labs store powder frozen. Reconstituted solution is less stable — refrigerate at 2–8 °C, protect from light, avoid repeated warming, and do not freeze-thaw cycle. Inspect for cloudiness or particulates before use. ↑ 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.
- 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 — made in Canada →
Frequently Asked Questions
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. Peak reported reductions were 20.9% (SURMOUNT-1) versus 14.9% (STEP 1). 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 is the difference between the 5mg and 10mg vials?
Only the total quantity of lyophilized peptide differs. The 5 mg vial suits shorter protocols; the 10 mg vial provides more peptide per vial for extended programs. It is a research-planning choice, not a dosing decision.
What is SURMOUNT-1?
SURMOUNT-1 (Jastreboff et al., NEJM 2022) is the pivotal published obesity trial of tirzepatide. Over 72 weeks it reported mean weight reductions of 15.0%, 19.5%, and 20.9% for the 5, 10, and 15 mg arms versus 3.1% for placebo.
What were the main side effects in tirzepatide trials?
The most common adverse events were gastrointestinal — nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting — and increased with dose, which is why the trials used gradual dose escalation. 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 is tirzepatide reconstituted and stored?
The lyophilized powder is reconstituted with bacteriostatic water added down the vial wall and swirled until dissolved; our calculator gives exact concentrations. Store lyophilized cool and dark; refrigerate reconstituted material at 2–8 °C, avoiding freeze-thaw cycling.
How does tirzepatide compare to retatrutide?
Retatrutide adds a third (glucagon) receptor to tirzepatide's GIP/GLP-1 pair and reached a higher peak trial reduction (30.3% vs 20.9%). See the retatrutide guide and the comparison.
Related Research Resources
- Tirzepatide 5mg · Tirzepatide 10mg (product pages & COA)
- Semaglutide vs Tirzepatide vs Retatrutide comparison
- Semaglutide Canada guide · Retatrutide Canada guide
- Peptide reconstitution calculator · How much bacteriostatic water to add
- Research dosing & reconstitution reference
- 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, et al. (SURPASS-2). N Engl J Med. 2021;385:503-515. DOI: 10.1056/NEJMoa2107519.
- Tirzepatide (LY3298176), CAS 2023788-19-2 — compound record. Reference entry.
- ClinicalTrials.gov. SURMOUNT-1, NCT04184622. clinicaltrials.gov