GIP/GLP-1 dual agonist
Also called Dual incretin agonist, GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist, twincretin
A GIP/GLP-1 dual agonist is a medicine that activates the receptors for two hormones the gut releases after a meal: glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). A plain GLP-1 receptor agonist acts on only the second. Like that class, a dual agonist helps the pancreas release insulin when blood sugar is high, slows stomach emptying and can reduce appetite and food intake.
Tirzepatide is the FDA-approved member of the class, sold as Mounjaro for type 2 diabetes and as Zepbound for chronic weight management. Compounded tirzepatide is not the same as either brand: the FDA states that compounded and other unapproved versions do not undergo its review for safety, effectiveness or quality.
Why it matters after 45
The conditions this class was developed for, type 2 diabetes and excess weight, become more common through midlife, so it is usually in that decade that people meet the term and need to tell it apart from a GLP-1-only drug. It is also why clinicians ask about any GLP-1 medicine already being taken, since the dual agonist is not meant to be combined with one.
Where it comes up
- Tirzepatide injectionthe compounded tirzepatide ACT 2 prescribes, and how it is monitored
- Compounded tirzepatide vs Zepboundhow a compounded preparation differs from the branded product
- Tirzepatide costwhat treatment costs and what is included
- Oral tirzepatidethe capsule route and how it differs from the injection
References
- MedlinePlus. Tirzepatide Injection. U.S. National Library of Medicine. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a622044.html
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. FDA Approves New Medication for Chronic Weight Management. https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-new-medication-chronic-weight-management
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. FDA's Concerns with Unapproved GLP-1 Drugs Used for Weight Loss. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/fdas-concerns-unapproved-glp-1-drugs-used-weight-loss
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