Tirzepatide Explained: Structure, Mass and How to Verify a Batch
Tirzepatide (LY3298176) is a synthetic peptide of 39 amino acids that activates two receptors: GIP and GLP-1. It carries a C20 fatty diacid on lysine 20 and has a molecular mass of about 4,813.5 Da. This guide explains its structure, what the literature covers and how to verify a batch.
Key facts
- Type: Synthetic 39-amino-acid peptide; dual agonist of the GIP and GLP-1 receptors
- Sequence: 39 residues with two Aib residues and a C20 fatty diacid on lysine 20; C-terminal amide
- Molecular formula: C225H348N48O68
- Molecular mass: about 4,813.5 Da
- CAS number: 2023788-19-2
- Supplied as: lyophilised powder in a sealed vial
What is tirzepatide
Tirzepatide is a single linear peptide built on the sequence of the hormone GIP and modified so that it also activates the GLP-1 receptor. Two residues are α-aminoisobutyric acid (Aib), which is not found in natural proteins. A 20-carbon fatty diacid is attached to lysine 20 through a glutamic acid and two short spacer units; it lets the peptide bind to albumin.
What the scientific literature covers
The compound was first described in 2018. Published work spans cell assays, animal models and clinical trials. Laboratory topics include:
- Activation of GIP and GLP-1 receptors in cell-based cAMP assays
- Signalling bias at the GLP-1 receptor (cAMP versus β-arrestin recruitment)
- Albumin binding of the C20 side chain
- Glucose regulation and body weight in mouse models
These are laboratory findings. CellMind supplies Tirzepatide for research purposes only, not for human use. Tirzepatide is also the active substance of an approved medicine. CellMind material is a research compound, not a medicine.
How identity and purity are verified
Like other lipidated peptides, tirzepatide elutes late on reversed-phase HPLC and tends to stick to surfaces. HPLC separates the target peptide from shortened sequences and oxidised forms. Mass spectrometry confirms the mass of about 4,813.5 Da, which tells it apart from retatrutide (about 4,731.3 Da) and semaglutide (about 4,113.6 Da). Both results must appear on the certificate of analysis (CoA) for the specific batch. Our CoA guide explains how to read one.
Checklist before buying Tirzepatide
- A CoA for the specific batch
- HPLC purity stated as a number, above 99%
- Mass of about 4,813.5 Da confirmed on the report
- A clearly stated amount per vial (10 mg)
- A batch number on the vial that matches the report
Common questions about Tirzepatide
How is tirzepatide different from semaglutide?
Tirzepatide activates the GIP and GLP-1 receptors; semaglutide activates the GLP-1 receptor only. Tirzepatide has 39 amino acids and a C20 fatty diacid (about 4,813.5 Da); semaglutide has 31 amino acids and a C18 fatty diacid (about 4,113.6 Da).
What mass should a tirzepatide report show?
About 4,813.5 Da. A value near 4,731 Da would point to retatrutide, and a value near 4,114 Da to semaglutide.
Is research tirzepatide the same as the medicine?
No. An approved medicine is a finished, regulated product. Research material is a reference compound for laboratory work and is not for human use.
Storage and handling
Keep lyophilised vials in a cool, dark place. After reconstitution the solution should be refrigerated and used within the planned study period. Avoid repeated temperature changes: they are the most common cause of degradation that nobody notices until results stop matching.
CellMind Tirzepatide 10mg
- 10 mg of lyophilised powder per vial, sealed under inert conditions
- HPLC-tested by Janoshik Analytical, purity above 99%
- A CoA for the specific batch with every order
Product page: Tirzepatide 10mg. Ordering and delivery: Where to buy Tirzepatide. Reports for current batches: Lab reports and CoA.
Sources
Research purposes only.