Tirzepatide is a synthetic peptide that acts on two receptor pathways: glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). These pathways are involved in metabolic regulation, glucose homeostasis, and appetite-related signalling.

In laboratory research, tirzepatide can serve as a reference compound for investigating incretin receptor interactions, receptor signalling mechanisms, and related metabolic processes.