Dimitar Marinov, Ph.D.
Dimitar Marinov, Ph.D.Weight loss researchers interested in experimenting with GLP-1 receptor agonists may wonder about the cost of tirzepatide for research purposes.
Tirzepatide (LY3298176) is a novel peptide that has recently gained regulatory approval for the treatment of type 2 diabetes (T2D). Ongoing studies are exploring its broader therapeutic potential, including:
- Tirzepatide for weight loss and obesity
- Cardiometabolic outcomes beyond glycemic control
- Effects on insulin sensitivity and metabolism
This comprehensive guide seeks to shed light on the costs associated with tirzepatide research.
Continue reading for an overview of tirzepatide, insights into estimated research costs based on standard dosing, and information on reputable sources of research-grade tirzepatide at competitive prices.
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What is Tirzepatide?
Tirzepatide is a novel peptide developed by Eli Lilly and Co. to treat T2D. It is a first-in-class dual GIP/GLP-1 agonist.
This means that it acts on the receptors of two important hormones in the body: glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). Both are involved in regulating blood sugar levels [1].
By mimicking the functions of GIP and GLP-1, tirzepatide activates the receptors for these hormones in various organs and tissues, such as the pancreas, the digestive system, the central nervous system, and adipose tissue.
Tirzepatide’s activation of the GIP and GLP-1 receptors in the pancreas results in increased insulin release and improved blood sugar control [2, 3].
Its unique structure includes a modified GIP sequence at the N-terminus and a C-terminus sequence derived from the GLP-1 agonist exenatide. This composition allows the drug to have an affinity for both GIP and GLP-1 receptors, however with a bias towards GIP.
Additionally, tirzepatide is conjugated to a hydrophilic linker and a C20 fatty di-acid moiety. This extends its half-life in the body to about five days, allowing the peptide to be effectively administered as a once-weekly injection [4, 5].
Tirzepatide has demonstrated promising results in clinical trials, demonstrating significant improvements in glycemic control and potential for weight loss in both diabetic and nondiabetic adults.
In 2022, it received approval from the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a treatment of T2D under the brand name Mounjaro [6].
Tirzepatide Benefits
The benefits of tirzepatide for diabetics are supported by extensive clinical data, while research into other applications, such as weight loss and cardioprotection, is ongoing.
Read on for a summary of the main tirzepatide benefits documented thus far…
Tirzepatide For Weight Loss
As of writing, several ongoing phase-3 trials are investigating the weight loss potential of this novel peptide. These are sponsored by Eli Lilly as part of the SURMOUNT clinical development program [7].
SURMOUNT-1 was published in 2022, and the trial included 2539 nondiabetic adults who were either obese or overweight with at least one weight-related complication. The volunteers were given either placebo or tirzepatide for 72 weeks [8].
The results showed that tirzepatide administration resulted in significant weight loss compared to placebo. The mean weight loss percentage at week 72 was -15.0% at 5mg/weekly, -19.5% at 10mg/weekly, and -20.9% at 15mg/weekly, compared to -3.1% with placebo.
Further, the percentage of participants achieving a weight reduction of 5% or more was higher in the tirzepatide groups (85%, 89%, and 91% at 5mg, 10mg, and 15mg, respectively) compared to placebo (35%) [8].
Tirzepatide For Type 2 Diabetes
As mentioned, tirzepatide is approved by the FDA for glycemic control in T2D patients. The approval was granted based on five phase-3 trials as part of the SURPASS clinical development program.
The trials compared 5mg, 10mg, and 15mg tirzepatide to placebo, the GLP-1 agonist semaglutide (1mg), and two forms of long-acting insulin. All trials reported that tirzepatide was superior to all alternatives at lowering glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels. The effect in the 15mg tirzepatide groups was estimated to be a 1.9-2.6% reduction from baseline [9, 10, 11, 12, 13].
A recent systematic review and meta-analysis of seven trials (including SURPASS 1-5) covering 6,609 participants found that tirzepatide (5mg, 10mg, and 15mg) resulted in dose-dependent reductions in HbA1c levels compared to placebo, with mean differences ranging from -1.62% to -2.06%.
The mean differences ranged from -0.29% to -0.92% when compared to GLP-1 agonists, and from -0.70% to -1.09% when compared against basal insulin regimens depending on the tirzepatide dose [14].
Tirzepatide For Cardioprotection
The ongoing phase-3 trial SURPASS-CVOT, which started in 2020, is currently investigating whether tirzepatide can improve long-term cardiovascular outcomes in T2D patients.
The trial has enrolled over 13,000 participants and will compare the cardioprotective effects of tirzepatide with the FDA-approved GLP-1 agonist dulaglutide. The study is expected to be completed and potentially published by late 2024 [15].
Previous research in T2D patients has already investigated the effect of tirzepatide on lipoprotein-related biomarkers and has compared various tirzepatide doses (1mg, 5mg, 10mg, or 15mg) to dulaglutide (1.5mg) and placebo [16].
Tirzepatide was found to dose-dependently reduce levels of apolipoprotein (apo) B and apoC-III, increase serum lipoprotein lipase (LPL), and decrease large triglyceride-rich lipoprotein particles (TRLP) and small low-density lipoprotein particles (LDLP) in the volunteers.
On the other hand, dulaglutide was found to reduce apoB and apoC-III levels but without any effect on serum LPL or lipoprotein particle profile. The reduction in apoC-III with tirzepatide was greater in patients with high baseline triglycerides.
Overall, the study suggested that tirzepatide treatment improves the lipoprotein profile by reducing atherogenic lipoproteins and may potentially exert cardioprotective effects in T2D patients [16].
Tirzepatide Side Effects
Tirzepatide has demonstrated a favorable safety profile in all phase-3 clinical trials published to date. While some adverse effects have been reported, they are generally manageable and occur at varying rates depending on the tirzepatide dose.
Gastrointestinal complaints, such as nausea and diarrhea, tend to be the most commonly reported side effects and occur in 10-25% of subjects [17].
Serious adverse events are rare, affecting less than 1% of individuals, and include cholelithiasis, cholecystitis, and pancreatitis. Hypersensitivity reactions associated with tirzepatide therapy tend to affect 2-4% of subjects [17].
Contraindications against tirzepatide use include pregnancy and breastfeeding. Furthermore, the peptide is contraindicated in subjects with a history of thyroid cancer or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2) [18].
While these recommendations are based on observations of thyroid C-cell tumors in rats, it is still unknown whether tirzepatide may also cause thyroid tumors, including medullary thyroid carcinoma, in humans.
How Much Does Tirzepatide Cost? | Full Breakdown
Given that tirzepatide is a novel peptide with vast research potential, a wide range of benefits, and a favorable safety profile, scientists may be curious about the cost of this peptide.
Overall, the total cost of tirzepatide will depend primarily on the vendor and the dosing protocol, among other factors.
Our preferred vendor currently sells tirzepatide as a reference material at the price of $219.99 per 10mg (sold in two 5mg vials). This price can drop to as low as $199.99 per 10mg with purchases of 10 vials or more.
Tirzepatide Cost Per Dose
The total cost of experimenting with tirzepatide will depend primarily on the research objective and the dosing regimen to be followed. As mentioned, tirzepatide has a long half-life and is designed for once-weekly administration.
The available data from the SURPASS and SURMOUNT trials regarding the anti-diabetic and weight loss potential of tirzepatide reports a maximum once-weekly dose of 15mg [7, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13].
It's important to note that the SURMOUNT-1 trial shows that when dosing tirzepatide for weight loss, doses of 10mg/weekly and 15mg/weekly lead to an almost identical reduction of body weight. At the same time, a lower dose may significantly reduce the total cost of experimenting with tirzepatide [8].
Thus, researchers should consider each individual subject's response and tolerance to tirzepatide before increasing the dosage above 10mg/weekly.
Further, researchers are advised to start at a much lower dose of 2.5mg/weekly to minimize the risk of tirzepatide side effects. The dose should then be increased by 2.5mg increments every four weeks, until achieving the desired dosage, not to exceed 15mg/weekly [7, 19].
Here is a sample tirzepatide dosing protocol for weight loss, based on the latest scientific data:
- Tirzepatide Dose: Initiate with 2.5mg/weekly for the first four weeks, followed by an increase to 5mg/weekly in weeks 5-8, 7.5mg/weekly in weeks 9-12, and 10mg/daily in weeks 13-16. Depending on the test subjects' response and tolerance, consider increasing further to 12.5mg/weekly in weeks 17-20, and to 15mg in weeks 21 and beyond.
- Frequency: Once weekly; subcutaneously.
- Study Duration: Published weight loss trials have lasted 24-72 weeks.
- Notes: Researchers are advised against exceeding a weekly tirzepatide dose of 15mg.
Based on this sample protocol, researchers will need 20 tirzepatide 5mg vials to complete the first 16 weeks of research per test subject.
Based on the above protocol and our preferred vendor's current pricing, here is a breakdown of the total cost per dose on a weekly basis:
- Weeks 1-4: $55.00 per week (total of 10mg and $219.99 per subject)
- Weeks 5-8: $110.00 per week (total of 20mg and $439.98 per subject)
- Weeks 9-12: $165.00 per week (total of 30mg and $659.97 per subject)
- Weeks 13-16: $219.99 per week (total of 40mg and $879.96 per subject)
If the research subject's response merits a weekly dose beyond 10mg:
- Weeks 17-20: $274.99 per week (total of 50mg and $1099.95 per subject)
Based on this estimate, researchers should take into account that completing the first 16 weeks of a tirzepatide study may need around 100mg tirzepatide and cost $1,999 with the bulk order discount.
Do Researchers Need a Prescription to Buy Tirzepatide Online?
Qualified researchers and laboratory professionals may legally purchase tirzepatide online as a reference material for research purposes. The peptide is available through authorized vendors.
However, it is essential to stay informed about the laws and regulations governing the purchase of peptides, including tirzepatide, as these may vary by country and jurisdiction.
For human use, tirzepatide cannot be legally obtained without a valid prescription from a physician.
For non-researchers that believe that tirzepatide therapy may be suitable, it is important to consult a licensed healthcare provider for guidance and only use tirzepatide under proper medical supervision.
Please note that access to tirzepatide without a prescription is restricted to credentialed professionals. For said researchers, continue reading to discover our recommended online vendor for obtaining 99.9% purity tirzepatide as a reference material.
Where to Buy Tirzepatide Online? | 2024 Edition
Researchers looking to buy tirzepatide online can choose from one of numerous vendors offering it for sale.
However, it is crucial to carefully evaluate options before making a purchase.
After conducting extensive research and product testing, our team highly recommends the following two vendors of research-grade tirzepatide.
Limitless Life
Limitless Life is a US-based research chemicals company that we wholeheartedly recommend for these reasons:
- Third-Party Testing: Their tirzepatide is USA-made, pure, potent, and subjected to high-performance liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry testing to ensure product purity and consistency.
- Payment Options: The vendor accommodates a range of convenient payments, including credit cards, cryptocurrencies, and Cash App.
- Fast & Free Shipping: Limitless Life has a reliable shipping policy that ensures all orders are typically delivered within a few days. As a bonus, domestic orders of $350+ ship free.
- Excellent Customer Service: The vendor has a dedicated support team to promptly address any concerns or queries, prioritizing a positive customer experience.
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PureRawz
PureRawz is another vendor known for their exceptional performance and offerings:
- 99% Pure Tirzepatide: PureRawz provides lab-tested peptides of the highest quality, including tirzepatide.
- Competitive Pricing: The vendor offers competitive pricing for tirzepatide, with the 10mg vial attractively priced at $280. Promotions and discounts are routinely available.
- Customer Support: The PureRawz customer care team is among the best in the industry, and are available by live chat, email, and phone during business hours.
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Bacteriostatic Water For Tirzepatide
When embarking on peptide research, it is essential that to have all necessary materials for the reconstitution and storage of tirzepatide.
These materials include bacteriostatic water, alcohol swabs, and more. Gathering these items can be a tedious and time-consuming task, causing potential setbacks for researchers.
However, it is required.
Tirzepatide Costs | Verdict
Tirzepatide is a dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist that is fast capturing the attention of weight loss researchers across the globe.
While it is available online as a reference material to qualified researchers, the cost of procuring research-grade tirzepatide will vary depending on the vendor and peptide quality.
Our top recommended vendor offers tirzepatide at $165 per 5mg vial. Researchers can also enjoy a discount of 10% when purchasing 9 or more vials from this vendor.
Luis Daniel López Murillo, PhD