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Review
. 2023 Dec;24(6):1089-1101.
doi: 10.1007/s11154-023-09825-1. Epub 2023 Aug 1.

Beyond glycemia: Comparing tirzepatide to GLP-1 analogues

John Andraos  1 , Harleen Muhar  2 , Shawn R Smith  3
Affiliations
Review

Beyond glycemia: Comparing tirzepatide to GLP-1 analogues

John Andraos et al. Rev Endocr Metab Disord. 2023 Dec.

Abstract

Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor analogs (GLP-1 RAs) have been an innovative and instrumental drug class in the management of both type 2 diabetes and obesity. Tirzepatide is a novel agent that acts as an agonist for both GLP-1 receptors and gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP) receptors, another incretin that lowers glucose and appetite. Although previous studies showed a lack of therapeutic benefit for GIP agonists, current studies show that the glucose lowering and weight loss effects of tirzepatide are at least as effective as GLP-1 RAs with a similar adverse effect profile. Some studies, though not conclusive, predict that tirzepatide may in fact be more potent than GLP-1 RAs at reducing weight. A thorough review of the studies that led to tirzepatide's approval allows for comparisons between tirzepatide and GLP-1 RAs; it also allows for predictions of tirzepatide's eventual place in therapy - an agent used preferentially over GLP-1 RAs in patients with or without diabetes desiring to lose weight.

Keywords: GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist; Incretin; Tirzepatide; Twincretin; Type 2 Diabetes; Weight Loss.

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Conflict of interest statement

We confirm that we have no conflicts of interest to disclose.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Highlights the relevant functions of both GLP1 and GIP on the body
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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