vs
Molecular weight
528.66 g/mol
4813.45 g/mol
Half-life
~4-6 hours (single oral dose); supports once-daily dosing
~5 days (120 hours)
Research areas
GH/IGF-1 axis stimulationBody composition (fat-free mass)Bone turnover and bone mineral densityAppetite stimulationSleep architectureSarcopenia / frailty / catabolic states (hip fracture, dietary restriction)
Weight loss / obesityType 2 diabetesMetabolic syndromeObstructive sleep apneaHeart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF)NASH / MASH
Typical dosing
1x daily · Commonly cited as 8-12 week blocks with breaks; long-term continuous use carries metabolic risk
2500–15000 mcg · 1x weekly · Ongoing (titrate over 20+ weeks)
FDA status
research-only
FDA-approved (Mounjaro for T2D Nov 2022, Zepbound for weight management Nov 2023)
WADA status
Prohibited at all times (WADA S2 — growth hormone secretagogues/mimetics, S2.2)
Not prohibited (as of 2026)
