tirzepatide + oral antihyperglycemic medication

Tirzepatide is a dual glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist developed by Eli Lilly. This therapeutic regimen involves the use of tirzepatide as an add-on therapy to one or more oral antihyperglycemic medications (OAMs), such as metformin, SGLT2 inhibitors, or sulfonylureas. Tirzepatide is a 39-amino acid synthetic peptide that mimics the actions of endogenous GIP and GLP-1, enhancing glucose-dependent insulin secretion, suppressing glucagon levels, and slowing gastric emptying. In clinical trials such as the SURPASS-4 and SURPASS J-combo studies, the addition of tirzepatide to background OAM therapy demonstrated superior glycemic control (HbA1c reduction) and significant body weight loss compared to OAMs alone or other injectable comparators like insulin glargine. It is FDA-approved as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Brand names

Mounjaro

Other names

tirzepatide plus OAMtirzepatide add-on to oral antihyperglycemic medications