The GIP Pathway
how tirzepatide activates the gastric inhibitory polypeptide receptor to improve metabolic function
The Forgotten Incretin
For years, GLP-1 dominated the incretin drug landscape while GIP was largely ignored -- or even considered counterproductive for weight loss. Tirzepatide's success rewrote that assumption. Built on a native GIP backbone, tirzepatide activates the GIP receptor with roughly 5x the potency of endogenous GIP, driving effects in beta cells, adipose tissue, and the central nervous system that complement its GLP-1 activity. This unit traces the GIP signaling cascade from receptor binding to metabolic outcomes.
GIP Signaling Cascade
Explore how tirzepatide activates the GIP receptor and the downstream effects in target tissues.