▎Tirzepatid Overview
Tirzepatid is a synthetic polypeptide drug and the first dual agonist of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptors. This drug can regulate blood glucose levels. Specifically, activating the glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor can promote insulin secretion and inhibit the release of glucagon; while activating the glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide receptor can enhance insulin sensitivity and secretion ability.
In addition to regulating blood glucose, it can also delay the process of gastric emptying, increase satiety, thereby reducing food intake and facilitating weight loss. Moreover, it can increase the level of adiponectin, thus improving insulin sensitivity and lipid metabolism.
The results of clinical trials show that in terms of blood glucose control, Tirzepatid has a better effect compared with single glucagon-like peptide-1 agonists and can significantly reduce the level of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c). It also has a remarkable effect on weight loss, with an average weight loss of more than 20%, so it can also be used for the treatment of obesity.
The once-weekly injection regimen improves patients' medication compliance, and it has relatively few side effects. At the same time, it also has a positive impact on blood pressure and blood lipid conditions, demonstrating potential cardioprotective effects.
