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Comparison Centre

Two compounds, the same questions, no cherry-picking

Marketing compares compounds on whichever measure flatters them. This compares them on the same fields every time — including the awkward ones like how much human safety data exists. Every score here rates the evidence, not the compound: a higher number means stronger or more mature research, not that something is safer or works better.

Sharing keeps the two compounds you picked.

How to read these scores

Every number here rates the evidence, not the compound. They are editorial 0-100 strength ratings, not percentages, and not a rating out of five stars.

  • Human efficacy evidence strengthHigher = more and better-quality human evidence. It does not mean the effect is bigger or that the compound works for you.
  • Preclinical evidence strengthHigher = more animal, tissue or cell research. Preclinical results are a starting point, not proof of a human benefit.
  • Human safety evidence strengthHigher = more mature, better-documented human safety data. It does not mean the compound is safer than one with a lower number. A score of 80 does not mean “80% safe”.
  • Evidence level (L0-L5) — the strongest type of study behind the compound, from anecdote (L0) to large replicated human trials (L5). It is a description of the study evidence, not a quality, safety or recommendation rating.
  • Confidence — how likely we think it is that this rating changes as new research lands. Low confidence means the picture is unsettled, not that the compound is bad.

None of these ratings is medical advice, a safety guarantee, or a recommendation to use anything. How we grade evidence.

Brenipatide

An investigational dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist now in Phase 3 trials for alcohol use disorder and major depressive disorder, with no efficacy results published.

L1Theory onlyIn clinical trials
Full profile

Tirzepatide

A dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist with strong Phase 3 weight and glycaemic data.

L5Repeated human trialsApproved medicine
Full profile

How far human research has progressed

Brenipatide

Two Phase 3 trials in alcohol use disorder recruiting since October 2025 (estimated primary completion April 2028); no Phase 3 results posted, and no earlier-phase results are established in our curated record

Tirzepatide

Approved, large completed Phase 3 programme

Human efficacy evidence strength

Higher = more and better-quality human evidence. It does not mean the effect is bigger or that the compound works for you.

Brenipatide

Strength of the human efficacy evidence12 of 100 evidence strength

Tirzepatide

Strength of the human efficacy evidence92 of 100 evidence strength

Preclinical (animal / lab) evidence strength

Higher = more animal, tissue or cell research. Preclinical results are a starting point, not proof of a human benefit.

Brenipatide

Strength of the animal and lab evidence45 of 100 evidence strength

Tirzepatide

Strength of the animal and lab evidence85 of 100 evidence strength

Human safety evidence strength

Higher = more mature, better-documented human safety data. It does not mean the compound is safer than one with a lower number.

Brenipatide

Strength of the human safety evidence8 of 100 evidence strength

Tirzepatide

Strength of the human safety evidence80 of 100 evidence strength

Regulatory status (legal position, not proof it works)

Brenipatide

Not approved anywhere, for any indication. Brenipatide is not approved for alcohol use disorder, major depressive disorder, diabetes, obesity or any other use. Lilly's public pipeline lists it as a biologic entity in Phase 3 development for alcohol use disorder and major depressive disorder. Registered late-stage trials mean a sponsor is testing a hypothesis formally — they are not a regulatory decision and not evidence that the hypothesis is correct.

Tirzepatide

Approved in multiple regions for type 2 diabetes (Mounjaro) and, under a separate brand (Zepbound), for chronic weight management. In December 2024 the FDA approved Zepbound as the first medication for obstructive sleep apnoea in adults with obesity. Additional indications vary by regulator. On 27 August 2026 the US Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit upheld FDA's determination that tirzepatide is no longer in shortage, rejecting a challenge brought by compounding interests. The practical effect is to reinforce the shortage delisting and the end of shortage-based routine copying of the approved product; it does not mean every form of individually tailored compounding is categorically unlawful, since narrow statutory exceptions can still apply. This is legal and regulatory evidence about US supply routes, not efficacy or safety evidence about the molecule.

Common claims

Brenipatide

  • · Reduces alcohol craving and drinking
  • · Treats alcohol use disorder
  • · Improves depression
  • · Incretin drugs 'cure' addiction

Tirzepatide

  • · Greater average weight loss than single-agonist GLP-1s
  • · Strong glycaemic control
  • · Improves obstructive sleep apnoea severity in people with obesity

How settled our evidence rating is

Brenipatide

Very low confidence in ratingL1Theory only

Tirzepatide

High confidence in ratingL5Repeated human trials

Cancer-related questions raised by the biology

These are theoretical or monitored questions raised by how a compound works. They are not evidence that it causes cancer.

Brenipatide

No demonstrated human cancer signal. Precautionary class-level considerations from incretin pharmacology apply and safety surveillance sits inside the ongoing trials.

Tirzepatide

Carries the same rodent-derived precautionary thyroid labelling as other incretin drugs in several regions. No demonstrated human cancer causation; long-term surveillance is ongoing.

What this adds up to, in plain English

Brenipatide

This sits in theory and anecdote. Popular claims about it should be treated with very low confidence.

Tirzepatide

Repeated large human trials support specific uses in the groups studied. That is strong evidence something works there — not proof it suits everyone or is free of risk.

A comparison is not a recommendation

Neither column here is an endorsement, and the compound with the higher numbers is not the “better” or “safer” one — it is simply the one with more or better-quality research behind it. Two compounds can both be poorly evidenced, and better-evidenced says nothing about whether either is a sensible idea for a specific person. That is a conversation for a qualified clinician.