Semaglutide is a pure GLP-1 agonist; tirzepatide adds GIP receptor agonism. Here is exactly how the research profiles differ.
Semaglutide and tirzepatide differ by receptor coverage and backbone chemistry. This is the most-searched research comparison in the modern incretin space.
| Attribute | Semaglutide | Tirzepatide |
|---|---|---|
| Class | GLP-1 mono-agonist | GIP + GLP-1 dual agonist |
| Backbone origin | GLP-1 | GIP |
| Length | 31 residues | 39 residues |
| Mass | ~4113.6 Da | ~4813.5 Da |
| Half-life | ~7 days | ~5 days |
| Trial series | STEP/SUSTAIN | SURPASS/SURMOUNT |
Research use only. All information on this page is provided strictly for in-vitro and laboratory research reference. Nothing in this article is medical, therapeutic, dosing, or performance advice for human or veterinary use.




