Protocol Reference
Tirzepatide
Tirzepatide weekly — approved escalation schedule
Summarise the escalation schedule used in the SURMOUNT programme and described in approved labelling.
FDA Approved for Specific IndicationReviewed September 1, 2026
Research Context
- Source of this information
- Tirzepatide is an approved medicine with published phase 3 protocols. The information below summarises those published sources.
- Evidence level
- Grade A — phase 3 randomised trials and approved labelling
- Population studied
- Adults with obesity or overweight with comorbidity (SURMOUNT-1); adults with type 2 diabetes (SURPASS).
- Duration studied
- 72 weeks in SURMOUNT-1.
- Route reported
- Subcutaneous injection, once weekly
Protocol as Reported
- 01Labelling describes initiation at 2.5 mg once weekly for four weeks as a tolerability-only starting dose, with increases in 2.5 mg increments at intervals of at least four weeks.
- 02Maintenance doses of 5 mg, 10 mg and 15 mg once weekly are described, with the highest tolerated dose used in trials as the target.
- 03SURMOUNT-1 randomised participants to fixed maintenance doses after escalation, alongside lifestyle intervention in all arms.
Adverse Events Reported
- Nausea, diarrhoea, vomiting and constipation predominated.
- Hypoglycaemia when combined with insulin secretagogues.
- Boxed warning for thyroid C-cell tumours on US labelling.
Limitations
- Not applicable to research-use-only material, whose identity and concentration are unverified.
- Trial results reflect supported, monitored use.
Sources
- Prescribing label
Tirzepatide prescribing information
- Randomised controlled trial2022
Tirzepatide Once Weekly for the Treatment of Obesity (SURMOUNT-1)
Educational reference only. Peptide Atlas does not provide medical advice or individualised dosing guidance, and nothing on this page should be used to guide personal use.