Dual agonist
Also called: dual incretin agonist
Clinical reviewer: Jacob Moore, MD · Last checked September 16, 2026
What is a dual GIP/GLP-1 agonist?
Dual agonist refers to a medicine engineered to activate two separate hormone receptors, usually GIP and GLP-1, at once in a single molecule. Tirzepatide, sold under the brand names Mounjaro and Zepbound, is the first GIP/GLP-1 dual agonist available for clinical use.
Why combine two hormone receptors in one drug?
The GIP and GLP-1 receptors both sit on pancreatic islet beta cells and other tissues, and activating the GLP-1 receptor alone is already a proven way to lower blood glucose and reduce body weight [1]. Researchers built monomeric peptides that engage both receptors at once, aiming to combine their effects rather than relying on GLP-1 activity alone [1].
What is the approved GIP/GLP-1 dual agonist?
Tirzepatide is the first monomeric peptide with dual activity at both incretin receptors now available for clinical use, and it is the active ingredient in Mounjaro for type 2 diabetes and Zepbound for chronic weight management [1][2][3]. Mounjaro's label describes it as "a glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptor and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist" [2].
How does a dual agonist compare with a GLP-1-only drug?
In clinical trials, tirzepatide has reduced HbA1c and body weight more than selective GLP-1 receptor agonists such as semaglutide [1]. Both Mounjaro and Zepbound are once-weekly subcutaneous injections, supplied as single-dose pens or vials [2][3].
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This entry is for education and is not medical advice. Talk with a licensed clinician about your own situation before starting, stopping, or changing any treatment.
