What is Tirzepatide?
Tirzepatide is a synthetic 39-amino-acid peptide that functions as a dual agonist at two key incretin receptors: the GIP receptor (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide receptor) and the GLP-1 receptor (glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor). It is structurally characterised by a C20 fatty diacid moiety attached at the Lys20 position, which provides extended half-life through albumin binding — a design approach shared with several long-acting peptide therapeutics.
The dual agonism of tirzepatide differentiates it from selective GLP-1 agonists such as semaglutide. GIP receptor activation contributes additional insulinotropic and potentially glucagonostatic effects, making tirzepatide a valuable research tool for studying the incretin axis, insulin secretion dynamics, and metabolic phenotyping in preclinical models.
ClaraScience supplies tirzepatide as a lyophilised powder in 10mg vials. Each batch is independently HPLC-tested to ≥99.0% purity (99.25% verified this batch) at a WHO/GMP-certified laboratory, with a full COA including HPLC chromatogram and mass spectrometry confirmation included with every order. All products are supplied for laboratory research use only.
Mechanism. Dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist — distinguishes tirzepatide from single-receptor GLP-1 agonists in metabolic research models.
Structure. 39 amino acids, C20 fatty diacid at Lys20 for extended half-life through albumin binding.
Clinical context. Extensively studied in SURPASS (T2DM) and SURMOUNT (obesity) Phase III trial programmes.
Research Background
Tirzepatide represents one of the most extensively studied compounds in metabolic peptide research of the past decade. The SURPASS Phase III clinical programme enrolled over 10,000 participants across six global trials investigating its effects on glycaemic control in type 2 diabetes. The landmark SURPASS-2 trial, published in the New England Journal of Medicine by Frías et al. (2021), demonstrated superiority over semaglutide 1mg in HbA1c reduction.
The subsequent SURMOUNT programme investigated tirzepatide in participants with obesity without diabetes. SURMOUNT-1 (Jastreboff et al., NEJM 2022) reported mean weight reduction of up to 22.5% at the 15mg dose over 72 weeks — at the time one of the largest weight reductions observed in a randomised controlled trial for a pharmacological intervention.
Preclinical research continues to investigate tirzepatide's mechanisms in cell culture and animal models, exploring its effects on adipogenesis, energy expenditure, β-cell function, and potential applications in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) models. Its dual receptor targeting mechanism provides a useful comparative tool against selective GLP-1 agonists in mechanistic metabolic research.
ClaraScience also stocks Retatrutide, the next-generation triple agonist (GLP-1/GIP/glucagon) for comparative metabolic receptor research.
Key citation Frías JP et al. "Tirzepatide versus Semaglutide Once Weekly in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes." N Engl J Med. 2021;385(6):503–515.
Compound Specifications
| Common Name |
Tirzepatide |
| Structure |
39 amino acids · Lys20 C20 fatty diacid linker |
| Molecular Weight |
4813.52 g/mol |
| Receptor Targets |
GIP receptor + GLP-1 receptor (dual agonist) |
| Purity (HPLC) |
≥99.0% (99.25% verified this batch) |
| Vial Size |
10mg lyophilised powder |
| Storage |
2–8°C (short-term) · −20°C (long-term) |
| Primary Reference |
Frías et al., N Engl J Med 2021;385:503–515 |
Storage & Handling
Tirzepatide is supplied as a lyophilised powder in sealed vials. ClaraScience ships all orders in plain, discreet packaging from our Australian warehouse.
- Unopened vial: 2–8°C for regular use; −20°C for longer-term storage.
- After reconstitution: Store at 2–8°C and use within 28 days. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
- Reconstitution solvent: Sterile bacteriostatic water. Use our free reconstitution calculator for the exact volume.
Full protocols in our Storage & Handling Guide.
Ordering & Pricing — Australia
| Quantity |
Price per vial |
Saving |
| 1–4 vials |
$129.95 AUD |
— |
| 5–9 vials |
$119.95 AUD |
Save 8% |
| 10+ vials |
$109.95 AUD |
Save 15% |
Free priority tracked shipping on orders over $250 AUD. Dispatched within 24 hours. For bulk orders, see our wholesale enquiry page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is tirzepatide?
Tirzepatide is a synthetic 39-amino-acid dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist with a C20 fatty diacid moiety for extended half-life. It is extensively studied in preclinical and clinical metabolic research. All ClaraScience products are for laboratory research use only.
Is tirzepatide the same as Mounjaro or Zepbound?
Mounjaro and Zepbound are pharmaceutical trade names for approved tirzepatide products (for type 2 diabetes and obesity respectively). ClaraScience supplies research-grade tirzepatide peptide for laboratory use only. Our products are not pharmaceutical medications and are not for human consumption.
What is the difference between tirzepatide and retatrutide?
Retatrutide is a triple agonist targeting GLP-1, GIP, and glucagon receptors simultaneously, compared to tirzepatide's dual GLP-1/GIP mechanism. Retatrutide adds glucagon receptor agonism, which contributes additional energy expenditure effects studied in preclinical metabolic models.
Is tirzepatide available in Australia for research?
ClaraScience supplies research-grade tirzepatide from an Australian warehouse. Products are for laboratory research use only and have not been evaluated by the TGA for therapeutic purposes in this context.
What purity is your tirzepatide?
≥99.2% HPLC-verified at a WHO/GMP-certified third-party laboratory. Full COA with HPLC chromatogram and mass spectrometry confirmation included with every batch.
