Tirzepatide vs Octreotide
A detailed comparison to help you understand the differences and choose the right peptide for your research goals.
Tirzepatide
Tirzepatide is a first-in-class dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist. FDA-approved as Mounjaro (diabetes) and Zepbound (weight loss), it has shown superior weight loss results compared to semaglutide in clinical trials.
Full details →Octreotide
Octreotide (Sandostatin) is a synthetic somatostatin analog FDA-approved for acromegaly, carcinoid tumors, and VIPomas. It inhibits growth hormone and various GI hormones.
Full details →Side-by-Side Comparison
| Aspect | Tirzepatide | Octreotide |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanism | Activates both GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) and GLP-1 receptors, providing synergistic effects on insulin secretion, appetite suppression, and metabolic regulation. The dual mechanism may explain its enhanced efficacy. | Binds to somatostatin receptors (primarily SSTR2 and SSTR5) to inhibit GH, glucagon, insulin, and gastric secretions. Reduces blood flow to GI tract and inhibits tumor hormone secretion. |
| Typical Dosage | Start at 2.5mg weekly, titrate every 4 weeks through 5mg, 7.5mg, 10mg, 12.5mg, to maximum 15mg weekly. Full titration takes approximately 20 weeks. | Varies by indication. Acromegaly: 50-100mcg three times daily initially, up to 500mcg TID. LAR (long-acting): 20-30mg IM every 4 weeks. |
| Administration | Subcutaneous injection once weekly. Rotate injection sites. Slower titration may help reduce GI side effects. | Subcutaneous injection for immediate-release (between meals). Intramuscular for LAR depot form. Requires monitoring of gallbladder, glucose, and thyroid. |
| Side Effects | Similar to semaglutide: nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, abdominal pain, decreased appetite. Generally improve with continued use. | GI effects (diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain), gallstones (up to 25% of long-term users), injection site reactions, and blood glucose changes. |
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