Tirzepatide (TZP) is the first dual agonist, targeting both GLP-1 and GIP receptors, developed for obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus treatment. TZP is more potent regarding glycemic control and weight loss than GLP-1R mono-agonists (GLP-1RAs) already on the market. Weight loss results almost exclusively from caloric intake reduction. TZP also exerts beneficial effects on the different parameters of the cardiovascular risk profile. TZP is characterized by a good tolerance and a satisfactory safety profile, comparable to that of GLP-1RAs. As with GLP-1RAs, its use raises many questions (cost and possible reimbursement, duration of use, very long-term safety, place in relation to lifestyle and dietary treatment, place in relation to bariatric surgery, etc.). Although all of these questions deserve to be addressed, TZP represents a new step in the development of increasingly effective drugs to treat obesity and its comorbidities.
Keywords
Tirzepatide, obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular risk