GLP-1 · GIP dual agonist

Tirzepatide in Canada

Also known as LY3298176 · Mounjaro (brand) · Zepbound (brand) · Dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist · Twincretin

Tirzepatide is a single 39-amino-acid peptide that activates two incretin receptors at once — GIP and GLP-1 — with a fatty-acid side chain that keeps it in circulation for about five days. It is the molecule Health Canada authorised as Mounjaro in 2022 and the one marketed as Zepbound in the United States, backed by the SURPASS and SURMOUNT Phase 3 programs. Canada Peptides carries research-grade tirzepatide as a lyophilised vial, priced and shipped in CAD for laboratory and research use only. It is not the approved drug and carries no DIN.

Quick facts

Class: Acylated dual GIP / GLP-1 receptor agonist (incretin mimetic)
Structure: 39 amino acids on a GIP backbone · Aib2, Aib20 · Lys20 acylated with a C20 diacid via a γGlu-2×OEG linker · ~4,814 Da
Half-life: Approximately 5 days (about 117 hours) after subcutaneous injection
Route in research: Subcutaneous once weekly in all Phase 3 programs and the approved products
Cadence in research: Once weekly; escalated in 2.5 mg steps at intervals of at least 4 weeks
Storage: Lyophilised: refrigerated, dark. Reconstituted: refrigerated, used within about 30 days
Status in Canada: Approved as a prescription drug (Mounjaro, 2022). Research-grade material has no DIN — research use only

Tirzepatide FAQ

Is tirzepatide for sale in Canada?

Yes. Research-grade tirzepatide is available in Canada from Canada Peptides as a lyophilised vial, priced and shipped in CAD. It is supplied strictly for laboratory and research use, not for human consumption. Tirzepatide as a medicine (Mounjaro) is available only by prescription through a pharmacy.

Is tirzepatide the same as Mounjaro or Zepbound?

As a molecule, yes: Mounjaro and Zepbound are brand names under which tirzepatide is marketed as a prescription medicine. As a product, no: research-grade tirzepatide has no DIN, no product monograph and no regulatory review, and is supplied for laboratory research only.

What is tirzepatide?

Tirzepatide is a 39-amino-acid synthetic peptide built on the GIP sequence and modified so that it activates both the GIP and GLP-1 receptors. A C20 fatty-acid side chain binds albumin and gives it a half-life of about five days, which is why it is administered once weekly.

What is the half-life of tirzepatide?

Approximately five days, or about 117 hours, after subcutaneous injection. Peak concentration occurs 8 to 72 hours after a dose and steady state is reached after about four weekly doses.

How was tirzepatide dosed in studies?

Trials and the approved labels start at 2.5 mg once weekly for four weeks and increase in 2.5 mg steps at intervals of at least four weeks, to maintenance doses of 5, 10 or 15 mg. That regimen belongs to the finished pharmaceutical; this page does not recommend any dose for the research-grade material, which is not for human use.

What side effects does tirzepatide research report?

Mostly gastrointestinal — nausea, diarrhoea, vomiting and constipation — dose-related and concentrated during escalation. Rodent studies showed thyroid C-cell tumours, so the label contraindicates use in people with a history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or MEN 2. Gallbladder events, pancreatitis and a modest heart-rate increase are class warnings.

Is tirzepatide legal in Canada?

Yes, in both forms, under different rules. Approved tirzepatide (Mounjaro) is a prescription drug dispensed by pharmacies. Research-grade tirzepatide has no marketing authorisation and may be sold for laboratory research only; it cannot be supplied or represented as a treatment. It is not a controlled substance and is not on the WADA Prohibited List.

Tirzepatide vs semaglutide vs retatrutide — what is the difference?

Receptor coverage. Semaglutide is a single GLP-1 receptor agonist; tirzepatide adds the GIP receptor; retatrutide adds GIP and glucagon receptors. Tirzepatide produced larger effects than semaglutide in SURMOUNT-5 and has a shorter post-marketing record; retatrutide is still investigational.

Tirzepatide in Canada

Quick facts

Tirzepatide — for sale in Canada

What is Tirzepatide?

Evidence at a glance

Pharmacology

Identity and chemistry

Storage and stability

Research indications

Research protocols

Interactions and stacking in research

Reconstitution and handling

Side effects and safety signals

Regulatory status in Canada

Further reading

Tirzepatide FAQ

Research references