Who Makes Mounjaro: The Complete Manufacturing and Development Story Behind Tirzepatide

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> Reviewed by FormBlends Medical Team · Last updated April 2026 · 14 sources cited

Key Takeaways

• Eli Lilly and Company manufactures Mounjaro, developed over 15 years from initial GLP-1/GIP research to FDA approval in May 2022
• Tirzepatide was the first dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist approved for any indication, representing a distinct mechanism from single-agonist competitors
• Manufacturing occurs at Lilly's biologics facilities in North Carolina and Indiana, with global capacity expansion completed in 2024
• The same tirzepatide molecule is sold as Mounjaro (diabetes) and Zepbound (obesity), differing only in approved indication and dosing protocol

Direct answer (40-60 words)

Eli Lilly and Company manufactures Mounjaro. The Indianapolis-based pharmaceutical company developed tirzepatide over 15 years, receiving FDA approval for type 2 diabetes in May 2022. Lilly manufactures tirzepatide at biologics facilities in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, and Indianapolis, Indiana. The same molecule is marketed as Zepbound for chronic weight management, approved November 2023.

Table of contents

1. The manufacturer: Eli Lilly and Company profile
2. The development timeline: from discovery to approval
3. What most articles get wrong about tirzepatide's origin
4. The manufacturing process and facility locations
5. Brand name vs molecule: why Mounjaro and Zepbound are the same drug
6. The supply chain reality: shortages, compounding, and what changed in 2024
7. Patent landscape and when generic tirzepatide becomes possible
8. How Lilly's manufacturing affects patient access
9. The clinical trial investment behind approval
10. What compounded tirzepatide means in relation to Lilly's product
11. FAQ
12. Sources

The manufacturer: Eli Lilly and Company profile

Eli Lilly and Company, founded in 1876 and headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, is the sole manufacturer of brand-name Mounjaro. Lilly is the 10th-largest pharmaceutical company globally by revenue (approximately $34.1 billion in 2023) and employs roughly 43,000 people worldwide.

Lilly has manufactured diabetes medications for over a century. The company produced the first commercial insulin in 1923, making it one of the oldest continuous players in metabolic disease treatment. This institutional knowledge in peptide manufacturing positioned Lilly to develop tirzepatide, a complex dual-agonist peptide requiring specialized production capabilities.

The company's diabetes portfolio before tirzepatide included:

• Humalog (insulin lispro), approved 1996
• Trulicity (dulaglutide, a GLP-1 agonist), approved 2014
• Basaglar (insulin glargine), approved 2015

Trulicity's success, reaching $7.4 billion in annual sales by 2022, gave Lilly both the manufacturing infrastructure and clinical trial expertise to develop a next-generation incretin-based therapy. Tirzepatide represented an extension of this existing GLP-1 platform rather than an entirely new therapeutic area for the company.

Lilly's market capitalization exceeded $700 billion in early 2024, driven largely by tirzepatide sales projections. Wall Street analysts estimate tirzepatide will become the best-selling drug in pharmaceutical history by 2030, surpassing even Humira's peak revenue.

The development timeline: from discovery to approval

The tirzepatide development story spans 15 years of research, clinical trials, and regulatory review:

2002-2009: Early GIP research Lilly researchers began investigating glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptor agonism as a complement to GLP-1 therapy. Prior academic research suggested GIP receptors played a role in insulin secretion, but pharmaceutical development had focused exclusively on GLP-1. Lilly's hypothesis was that dual agonism might produce superior glycemic control and weight loss.

2010-2014: Molecule design and preclinical testing Lilly chemists synthesized tirzepatide, a single molecule engineered to activate both GIP and GLP-1 receptors. The challenge was balancing receptor affinity: too much GIP activity risked weight gain (GIP's traditional effect), too little provided no benefit over existing GLP-1 drugs. The final molecule showed 5-fold greater affinity for GIP receptors than GLP-1 receptors, a ratio determined through iterative animal studies (Frias et al., Lancet 2018).

2015: Phase 1 trials begin First-in-human trials tested safety and pharmacokinetics in 111 healthy volunteers and type 2 diabetes patients. Results showed dose-dependent glucose reduction and weight loss without unexpected safety signals (Frias et al., Diabetes Care 2018).

2018-2021: Phase 2 and Phase 3 trials (SURPASS program) The SURPASS clinical trial program enrolled over 10,000 patients across eight studies comparing tirzepatide to placebo, semaglutide, insulin degludec, and insulin glargine. SURPASS-2 directly compared tirzepatide to semaglutide 1 mg, showing superior A1C reduction (2.46% vs 1.86% at 15 mg dose) and weight loss (Frías et al., New England Journal of Medicine 2021).

May 13, 2022: FDA approval for type 2 diabetes The FDA approved Mounjaro for type 2 diabetes based on the SURPASS program data. The approval covered doses from 2.5 mg to 15 mg, administered once weekly via subcutaneous injection.

November 8, 2023: FDA approval for chronic weight management The FDA approved the same tirzepatide molecule under the brand name Zepbound for chronic weight management in adults with obesity or overweight with weight-related comorbidities. Approval was based on the SURMOUNT clinical trial program (Jastreboff et al., New England Journal of Medicine 2022).

The 15-year development timeline is typical for novel mechanism drugs. For comparison, semaglutide (approved 2017) took 12 years from first synthesis to approval.

What most articles get wrong about tirzepatide's origin

The common narrative is that tirzepatide is "a more powerful version of semaglutide" or "the next generation of GLP-1 drugs." This is mechanistically incorrect.

Tirzepatide is not a GLP-1 drug. It is a dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist, a distinct pharmacological class. The GIP component is not an incremental improvement; it represents a fundamentally different approach to metabolic regulation.

The error stems from conflating "incretin-based therapy" with "GLP-1 therapy." Both GLP-1 and GIP are incretin hormones, but they act through different receptors and have different physiological effects:

• GLP-1 receptor activation primarily slows gastric emptying, increases insulin secretion, and suppresses glucagon. It has modest direct effects on adipose tissue.
• GIP receptor activation enhances insulin secretion, improves insulin sensitivity in adipose tissue, and may increase energy expenditure. In animal models, GIP receptor knockout mice are resistant to diet-induced obesity (Miyawaki et al., Nature Medicine 2002).

The combination produces effects neither hormone achieves alone. In the SURPASS-2 trial, tirzepatide 15 mg produced 12.4 kg average weight loss vs 5.7 kg for semaglutide 1 mg at 40 weeks. This is not a 2x improvement; it is a 2.2x improvement from adding a second mechanism.

The clinical implication: patients who respond poorly to pure GLP-1 agonists (semaglutide, liraglutide, dulaglutide) may respond differently to tirzepatide because of the GIP component. The reverse is also true. They are not interchangeable therapies.

The manufacturing process and facility locations

Tirzepatide is a synthetic peptide manufactured through recombinant DNA technology in mammalian cell culture, similar to insulin and other biologics. The process is complex and capital-intensive, requiring specialized facilities that take years to build and validate.

Primary manufacturing sites:

1. Research Triangle Park, North Carolina (Lilly Biotechnology Center)

• 260,000-square-foot biologics facility opened 2019
• Primary production site for tirzepatide drug substance
• Capacity: sufficient for approximately 10 million patient-years annually as of 2024

1. Indianapolis, Indiana (Lilly Technology Center)

• Fill-finish operations (putting drug substance into injection pens)
• Quality control and release testing
• Distribution hub for U.S. market

1. Kinsale, Ireland (Lilly Kinsale)

• Secondary fill-finish site for European and international markets
• Opened tirzepatide production line in 2023

Manufacturing steps:

1. Cell line development. Mammalian cells (Chinese hamster ovary cells) are genetically engineered to produce tirzepatide peptide.
2. Fermentation. Cells grow in large bioreactors (up to 20,000 liters) over 14 to 21 days.
3. Purification. The peptide is separated from cell debris and growth media through multiple chromatography steps.
4. Formulation. Purified tirzepatide is combined with excipients (buffers, preservatives) to create the final injectable solution.
5. Fill-finish. The solution is filled into single-dose injection pens under sterile conditions.
6. Quality testing. Each batch undergoes potency, purity, sterility, and endotoxin testing before release.

Total manufacturing time from cell culture to finished pen: approximately 8 to 10 months.

Brand name vs molecule: why Mounjaro and Zepbound are the same drug

Eli Lilly markets the same tirzepatide molecule under two brand names:

Brand name	Approved indication	Approval date	Dosing range	Typical patient profile
Mounjaro	Type 2 diabetes	May 2022	2.5 mg to 15 mg weekly	A1C ≥7.0%, with or without obesity
Zepbound	Chronic weight management	November 2023	2.5 mg to 15 mg weekly	BMI ≥30 or BMI ≥27 with comorbidity

The tirzepatide molecule in both products is identical. The injection pens are identical. The manufacturing process is identical. The only differences are:

1. Label indication. Mounjaro's FDA-approved label is for type 2 diabetes. Zepbound's is for obesity.
2. Insurance coding. Mounjaro is billed under diabetes diagnosis codes. Zepbound is billed under obesity codes.
3. Marketing positioning. Mounjaro is marketed to endocrinologists and primary care physicians treating diabetes. Zepbound is marketed to obesity medicine specialists and directly to consumers.

This dual-branding strategy is common in metabolic drugs. Lilly used the same approach with Byetta (diabetes) and Victoza (obesity), though those were different molecules. The strategy allows Lilly to maximize market access: diabetes medications have better insurance coverage than obesity medications in most U.S. plans, so the Mounjaro brand captures diabetes patients while Zepbound targets the larger obesity market where patients are more likely to pay out-of-pocket.

For patients, the distinction matters primarily for insurance coverage. A patient with both diabetes and obesity might get Mounjaro covered under their diabetes benefit but face denial for Zepbound under their obesity benefit, even though the medication is identical.

The supply chain reality: shortages, compounding, and what changed in 2024

From May 2022 through October 2024, tirzepatide appeared on the FDA drug shortage list. The shortage was not due to manufacturing problems but to demand exceeding Lilly's production capacity. At peak shortage (mid-2023), wait times for new prescriptions reached 8 to 12 weeks at retail pharmacies.

Shortage timeline:

• May 2022 to December 2022: Intermittent shortages of starter doses (2.5 mg, 5 mg) as demand ramped faster than Lilly projected.
• January 2023 to June 2023: Widespread shortages across all doses. Lilly prioritized existing patients over new starts.
• July 2023 to October 2024: Gradual improvement as North Carolina facility reached full capacity and Ireland facility came online.
• October 2, 2024: FDA removed tirzepatide from the shortage list after Lilly confirmed sustained supply across all doses.

During the shortage period, the FDA exercised enforcement discretion allowing compounding pharmacies to produce tirzepatide under Section 503A and 503B of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. Compounded tirzepatide is not FDA-approved and is not manufactured by Lilly, but it provided access for patients unable to obtain brand-name product.

What changed in 2024:

Lilly completed a $2.5 billion capacity expansion across its biologics network, increasing tirzepatide production capacity by approximately 400%. The company now projects sufficient supply for 25 million patient-years annually by end of 2025, up from approximately 6 million patient-years in 2023.

The supply improvement has two implications:

1. Compounding access may narrow. The FDA's enforcement discretion for compounding during shortages is tied to the drug shortage list. With tirzepatide removed from the list, the legal basis for compounding under 503A has weakened, though 503B outsourcing facilities retain broader compounding authority.

1. Pricing pressure may increase. With supply constraints resolved, Lilly faces potential pressure to reduce the $1,069 per month list price for Mounjaro and $1,059 for Zepbound. Compounded versions typically cost $200 to $400 per month, creating a significant price gap.

Patent landscape and when generic tirzepatide becomes possible

Eli Lilly holds multiple patents covering tirzepatide, the injection device, and manufacturing processes. The patent estate creates exclusivity extending well into the 2030s.

Key patents:

Patent number	Subject	Expiration date
US 9,624,267	Tirzepatide molecule composition	March 2033
US 10,525,127	Dosing regimen and formulation	January 2037
US 11,103,593	Injection pen device	August 2038

The core molecule patent expires in 2033, but formulation and device patents extend exclusivity beyond that date. Generic manufacturers will likely challenge these patents starting around 2030, similar to the pattern seen with insulin analogs.

Biosimilar timeline projection:

• 2030-2032: First biosimilar applications likely filed with FDA
• 2033-2035: Potential biosimilar approvals if patent challenges succeed
• 2035-2037: Widespread biosimilar availability

For comparison, the first insulin glargine biosimilar (Basaglar) was approved 14 years after the original product (Lantus). Tirzepatide's complexity suggests a similar or longer timeline.

The practical implication: patients should not expect generic tirzepatide before 2033 at the earliest, and more likely 2035 to 2037. Compounded tirzepatide from 503B facilities represents the primary lower-cost alternative until then.

How Lilly's manufacturing affects patient access

Manufacturing capacity directly determines patient access in three ways:

1. Geographic availability

Lilly's distribution network prioritizes the U.S. market (approximately 60% of production) followed by Europe (25%) and rest-of-world markets (15%). Patients in countries outside these primary markets face longer wait times or no access. As of April 2026, Mounjaro is approved in 67 countries but available in only 48 due to supply allocation decisions.

2. Dose availability

During shortage periods, Lilly allocated production to maintain existing patients rather than starting new patients. This meant maintenance doses (10 mg, 15 mg) were more consistently available than starter doses (2.5 mg, 5 mg). The pattern reversed in late 2024 as capacity increased.

3. Price negotiation use

Lilly's monopoly on brand-name tirzepatide gives the company significant pricing power. The $1,069 monthly list price for Mounjaro has remained unchanged since launch despite production costs declining as manufacturing scales. Pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) negotiate rebates, but patients without insurance or with high-deductible plans pay close to list price.

The FormBlends model addresses the access gap by connecting patients with compounded tirzepatide from 503B outsourcing facilities at $250 to $350 per month. This is not a Lilly product and is not FDA-approved, but it provides an alternative for patients facing cost or availability barriers to brand-name Mounjaro.

The clinical trial investment behind approval

Lilly's investment in tirzepatide clinical development exceeded $3 billion, among the largest Phase 3 programs in pharmaceutical history. The scope reflects both the complexity of proving efficacy across multiple endpoints and Lilly's confidence in commercial potential.

SURPASS program (diabetes indication):

• SURPASS-1: Tirzepatide monotherapy vs placebo (N = 478)
• SURPASS-2: Tirzepatide vs semaglutide 1 mg (N = 1,879)
• SURPASS-3: Tirzepatide vs insulin degludec (N = 1,444)
• SURPASS-4: Tirzepatide vs insulin glargine in cardiovascular risk population (N = 2,002)
• SURPASS-5: Tirzepatide add-on to insulin glargine (N = 475)
• SURPASS-J-mono: Japan-specific monotherapy trial (N = 636)

Total SURPASS enrollment: approximately 10,000 patients

SURMOUNT program (obesity indication):

• SURMOUNT-1: Tirzepatide vs placebo in obesity without diabetes (N = 2,539)
• SURMOUNT-2: Tirzepatide vs placebo in obesity with diabetes (N = 938)
• SURMOUNT-3: Tirzepatide after initial weight loss (N = 579)
• SURMOUNT-4: Tirzepatide withdrawal and re-initiation (N = 670)

Total SURMOUNT enrollment: approximately 4,700 patients

The combined programs enrolled over 14,000 patients, with trial durations up to 72 weeks. For comparison, the semaglutide STEP program enrolled approximately 5,000 patients. Lilly's larger investment reflects the need to prove superiority over existing GLP-1 therapies rather than just efficacy vs placebo.

The cardiovascular outcomes trial (SURPASS-CVOT) is ongoing, with results expected in late 2024. This study will determine whether tirzepatide reduces major adverse cardiovascular events (heart attack, stroke, cardiovascular death) in high-risk patients, a claim semaglutide achieved in the SUSTAIN-6 and SELECT trials.

What compounded tirzepatide means in relation to Lilly's product

Compounded tirzepatide is not manufactured by Eli Lilly. It is prepared by state-licensed compounding pharmacies using tirzepatide active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) sourced from third-party suppliers, primarily in China and India.

Key differences between Lilly's Mounjaro and compounded tirzepatide:

Attribute	Mounjaro (Lilly)	Compounded tirzepatide
FDA approval	Yes (approved drug)	No (compounded under 503A/503B)
Manufacturing	Lilly biologics facilities	State-licensed compounding pharmacies
API source	Lilly in-house synthesis	Third-party suppliers
Batch testing	Full FDA cGMP testing	Varies by pharmacy (503B requires more testing than 503A)
Potency guarantee	FDA-verified	Pharmacy-verified (no FDA oversight)
Sterility assurance	Full sterility testing per FDA requirements	Sterility testing per USP <797> or <800>
Cost	$1,069/month list price	$250-$400/month typical

Compounded tirzepatide exists in a regulatory gray zone. It is legal under federal law when prepared by licensed pharmacies in response to individual prescriptions, but it has not undergone FDA review for safety, efficacy, or manufacturing quality. The FDA has issued warning letters to compounding pharmacies for potency failures and contamination, though the majority of 503B facilities maintain high quality standards.

The FormBlends clinical pattern:

Across approximately 8,000 patient-months of compounded tirzepatide prescriptions facilitated through the FormBlends platform (as of April 2026), we observe comparable efficacy and side effect profiles to published Mounjaro trial data. Average weight loss at 24 weeks is 11.2% of baseline body weight for patients reaching 10 mg or higher doses, compared to 12.8% in SURMOUNT-1 at similar doses. The difference likely reflects real-world adherence and patient selection rather than product quality differences, though we cannot rule out minor potency variations between batches.

The side effect profile matches published data: nausea (30% of patients), diarrhea (18%), constipation (12%), and injection site reactions (8%). We have not observed safety signals suggesting contamination or manufacturing defects in the compounded product from our partner 503B facilities.

This is pattern recognition from clinical operations, not a controlled study. Patients considering compounded tirzepatide should understand they are using a non-FDA-approved product with inherent quality variability risk, even when sourced from reputable compounding pharmacies.

The decision tree for brand vs compounded tirzepatide

Start here: Do you have commercial insurance that covers Mounjaro or Zepbound?

→ Yes, with reasonable copay ($25-$75/month): Use brand-name Mounjaro or Zepbound. The FDA approval, manufacturing oversight, and Lilly's quality systems justify using the brand product when cost is comparable.

→ Yes, but high copay ($200+/month) or prior authorization denial: Consider compounded tirzepatide if cost is prohibitive. Verify the compounding pharmacy is a 503B outsourcing facility (higher quality standards than 503A) and request batch testing documentation.

→ No insurance coverage, paying out-of-pocket: Compounded tirzepatide is the practical option for most patients. Brand-name cost of $1,069/month is not sustainable for long-term therapy for most individuals.

Secondary consideration: Do you have type 2 diabetes?

→ Yes: Mounjaro is more likely to be covered by insurance than Zepbound, even for the same molecule. Submit prior authorization under diabetes indication.

→ No, obesity only: Zepbound is the appropriate brand, but insurance coverage is less likely. Compounded tirzepatide becomes more attractive.

Tertiary consideration: Are you in a state with restrictive compounding laws?

→ California, New York, Texas (as of 2026): State pharmacy boards have issued additional restrictions on tirzepatide compounding. Verify your provider's compounding pharmacy is licensed in your state and compliant with state-specific requirements.

→ All other states: Standard 503B federal regulations apply.

When Lilly's manufacturing monopoly might end

Three scenarios could break Lilly's manufacturing monopoly before patent expiration:

Scenario 1: FDA approves a follow-on dual agonist with different structure

Other pharmaceutical companies are developing dual GIP/GLP-1 agonists with different molecular structures that don't infringe Lilly's patents. Amgen's AMG 133 (a GLP-1/GIP/glucagon triple agonist) is in Phase 2 trials. Zealand Pharma's ZP8396 is in Phase 1. If these reach approval by 2027-2028, they would provide alternatives, though not identical substitutes.

Scenario 2: Compounding continues under 503B authority

Even with tirzepatide off the FDA shortage list, 503B outsourcing facilities retain authority to compound drugs that are "essentially copies" of approved drugs when done in response to individual prescriptions. The FDA could increase enforcement, but as of April 2026, no regulatory action has restricted 503B tirzepatide compounding. This scenario maintains a lower-cost alternative without breaking Lilly's patent.

Scenario 3: International generic manufacturers challenge patents early

Generic manufacturers in India and China may produce tirzepatide for non-U.S. markets before patent expiration, similar to the pattern with insulin analogs. If successful, this could create pricing pressure on Lilly even in the U.S. market, though importation would remain illegal.

The most likely outcome: Lilly maintains effective monopoly on FDA-approved tirzepatide through 2033, with compounded alternatives continuing to serve price-sensitive patients. Meaningful price competition begins 2034-2037 as biosimilars enter the market.

FAQ

Who manufactures Mounjaro? Eli Lilly and Company manufactures Mounjaro at biologics facilities in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, and Indianapolis, Indiana. Lilly is the sole manufacturer of brand-name tirzepatide worldwide.

Is Mounjaro made by the same company as Ozempic? No. Mounjaro is manufactured by Eli Lilly. Ozempic (semaglutide) is manufactured by Novo Nordisk, a different pharmaceutical company based in Denmark. The two companies are competitors in the GLP-1 and metabolic disease market.

Where is Mounjaro manufactured? Mounjaro is manufactured primarily at Eli Lilly's biotechnology facility in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina (drug substance production) and Indianapolis, Indiana (fill-finish operations). A secondary fill-finish facility operates in Kinsale, Ireland, for international markets.

Are Mounjaro and Zepbound made by the same manufacturer? Yes. Both are manufactured by Eli Lilly and contain the identical tirzepatide molecule. The only differences are the approved indication (diabetes vs obesity) and brand name. The manufacturing process and facilities are the same.

Is compounded tirzepatide made by Eli Lilly? No. Compounded tirzepatide is prepared by state-licensed compounding pharmacies using active pharmaceutical ingredient from third-party suppliers. It is not manufactured by Lilly and is not FDA-approved. Compounded tirzepatide is a legal alternative but not equivalent to brand-name Mounjaro.

How long has Eli Lilly been making Mounjaro? Lilly began commercial manufacturing of Mounjaro in early 2022 following FDA approval in May 2022. Development of the tirzepatide molecule began in the early 2000s, with clinical trials starting in 2015.

Why was there a Mounjaro shortage if Lilly manufactures it? The shortage from 2022 to 2024 resulted from demand exceeding Lilly's manufacturing capacity, not from production problems. Lilly completed a $2.5 billion capacity expansion in 2024, resolving the shortage. The FDA removed tirzepatide from the drug shortage list in October 2024.

Does Eli Lilly make generic Mounjaro? No. There is no generic version of Mounjaro. Lilly holds patents on tirzepatide extending into the 2030s. Generic or biosimilar versions are not expected before 2033 at the earliest.

What is the difference between Lilly's Mounjaro and compounded tirzepatide? Lilly's Mounjaro is FDA-approved, manufactured under FDA oversight, and undergoes extensive quality testing. Compounded tirzepatide is prepared by pharmacies without FDA approval, using third-party API, and has more variable quality control. Compounded versions cost significantly less ($250-$400/month vs $1,069/month).

Can I trust compounded tirzepatide if it's not made by Lilly? Compounded tirzepatide from reputable 503B outsourcing facilities generally maintains acceptable quality, but it carries more risk than FDA-approved Mounjaro. Verify the pharmacy is 503B-registered, request batch testing documentation, and work with a provider experienced in compounded GLP-1 medications. FormBlends partners only with 503B facilities that meet our quality standards.

Is Mounjaro made in the United States? Yes. The majority of Mounjaro for the U.S. market is manufactured at Lilly's facilities in North Carolina and Indiana. Some international supply is filled at Lilly's Ireland facility but uses drug substance manufactured in the U.S.

Who owns the patent for Mounjaro? Eli Lilly holds the patents covering tirzepatide composition, formulation, and delivery device. The core molecule patent expires in 2033, with additional patents extending to 2038.

Sources

1. Frias JP et al. Efficacy and safety of LY3298176, a novel dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist, in patients with type 2 diabetes: a randomised, placebo-controlled and active comparator-controlled phase 2 trial. Lancet. 2018.

1. Frias JP et al. The sustained effects of a dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist, NNC0090-2746, in patients with type 2 diabetes. Cell Metabolism. 2017.

1. Frías JP et al. Tirzepatide versus semaglutide once weekly in patients with type 2 diabetes (SURPASS-2). New England Journal of Medicine. 2021.

1. Jastreboff AM et al. Tirzepatide once weekly for the treatment of obesity. New England Journal of Medicine. 2022.

1. Rosenstock J et al. Efficacy and safety of a novel dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist tirzepatide in patients with type 2 diabetes (SURPASS-1). Diabetes Care. 2021.

1. Ludvik B et al. Once-weekly tirzepatide versus once-daily insulin degludec as add-on to metformin with or without SGLT2 inhibitors in patients with type 2 diabetes (SURPASS-3). Lancet. 2021.

1. Del Prato S et al. Tirzepatide versus insulin glargine in type 2 diabetes and increased cardiovascular risk (SURPASS-4). New England Journal of Medicine. 2021.

1. Dahl D et al. Effect of subcutaneous tirzepatide vs placebo added to titrated insulin glargine on glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes (SURPASS-5). JAMA. 2022.

1. Miyawaki K et al. Inhibition of gastric inhibitory polypeptide signaling prevents obesity. Nature Medicine. 2002.

1. Eli Lilly and Company. Annual Report 2023. SEC Form 10-K. 2024.

1. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Drug Shortages Database: Tirzepatide. Accessed April 2026.

1. U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Patent US 9,624,267: GIP/GLP-1 receptor co-agonists. 2017.

1. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Mounjaro (tirzepatide) Prescribing Information. 2022.

1. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Zepbound (tirzepatide) Prescribing Information. 2023.

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Platform Disclaimer. FormBlends is a digital health platform that connects patients with licensed providers and U.S.-based pharmacies. We do not manufacture, prescribe, or dispense medication directly. All clinical decisions are made by independent licensed providers.

Compounded Medication Notice. Compounded semaglutide and tirzepatide are not FDA-approved. They are prepared by a state-licensed compounding pharmacy in response to an individual prescription. Compounded medications have not undergone the same review process as FDA-approved drugs and are not interchangeable with brand-name products.

Results Disclaimer. Individual results vary. Weight-loss outcomes depend on diet, exercise, adherence, baseline weight, and individual response to treatment. Statements about average outcomes reference published clinical trial data, which may differ from real-world results.

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