A dual agonist is a drug engineered to activate two different receptors simultaneously. Tirzepatide is the best-known example, acting on both GLP-1 and GIP receptors. Some medications in development go further as "triple agonists," adding a third target such as the glucagon receptor. The FDA label for Mounjaro describes tirzepatide as a GIP receptor and GLP-1 receptor agonist (DailyMed (external link)).
Dual agonist
A medication that activates two hormone receptors at once — for example, tirzepatide, which targets both GLP-1 and GIP receptors.
Updated Sep 26, 2026
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