Complete List of All GLP-1 Medications 2026: FDA-Approved Drugs & Pipeline
Here's every GLP-1 agonist available or in development: approved drugs, mechanisms, dosing, indications, and pipeline compounds. Understand the complete GLP-1 landscape.
What Are GLP-1 Medications?
GLP-1 agonists are drugs that mimic glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), a hormone that regulates blood sugar, appetite, and gastrointestinal function. GLP-1 receptor agonists activate the GLP-1 receptor, triggering appetite suppression, improved insulin secretion, and weight loss.
First GLP-1 agonist: Exenatide (Byetta, approved 2005) for type 2 diabetes.
Evolution: From twice-daily injections (exenatide) to once-weekly formulations (semaglutide, tirzepatide) to dual/triple mechanisms (tirzepatide, retatrutide).
Current landscape: 10+ GLP-1 medications approved in the US; dozens in development globally.
FDA-Approved GLP-1 Medications (Approved)
| Brand Name | Generic | Manufacturer | Approval Year | Indication | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ozempic | Semaglutide | Novo Nordisk | 2017 | Type 2 diabetes; off-label weight loss | Weekly injection |
| Wegovy | Semaglutide | Novo Nordisk | 2021 | Chronic weight management | Weekly injection |
| Rybelsus | Semaglutide | Novo Nordisk | 2019 | Type 2 diabetes | Daily oral tablet |
| Mounjaro | Tirzepatide | Eli Lilly | 2022 | Type 2 diabetes; off-label weight loss | Weekly injection |
| Zepbound | Tirzepatide | Eli Lilly | 2023 | Chronic weight management | Weekly injection |
| Saxenda | Liraglutide | Novo Nordisk | 2014 | Chronic weight management | Daily injection |
| Victoza | Liraglutide | Novo Nordisk | 2010 | Type 2 diabetes | Daily injection |
| Trulicity | Dulaglutide | Eli Lilly | 2014 | Type 2 diabetes | Weekly injection |
| Byetta | Exenatide | AstraZeneca | 2005 | Type 2 diabetes | Twice-daily injection |
| Bydureon | Exenatide ER | AstraZeneca | 2012 | Type 2 diabetes | Weekly injection |
| Adlyxin | Lixisenatide | Sanofi | 2016 | Type 2 diabetes | Daily injection |
Semaglutide Class (Novo Nordisk)
Semaglutide is the most widely used GLP-1 for both diabetes and weight loss. Available in three formulations:
Ozempic (semaglutide injection, diabetes indication): 0.5 mg, 1.0 mg, 2.0 mg, 2.4 mg weekly. Approved 2017 for type 2 diabetes. Off-label weight loss dosing reaches 2.4 mg weekly.
Wegovy (semaglutide injection, weight loss indication): Same drug as Ozempic but marketed for weight loss. FDA approval 2021. Dosing: 0.25–2.4 mg weekly.
Rybelsus (semaglutide oral tablet): First oral GLP-1. Approved 2019. Dosing: 3 mg, 7 mg, 14 mg daily. Advantages: no injection. Disadvantages: must be taken on empty stomach, lower bioavailability than injectable.
Clinical impact: Semaglutide revolutionized GLP-1 therapy by moving from daily injections (liraglutide) to once-weekly dosing and introducing oral formulation. STEP trials showed 15–18% weight loss.
Tirzepatide Class (Eli Lilly) — Dual GLP-1/GIP
Tirzepatide is the first dual GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist, offering stronger efficacy than GLP-1-only drugs.
Mounjaro (tirzepatide injection, diabetes indication): Approved 2022. Dosing: 2.5–15 mg weekly. SURPASS trials showed 20–23% A1C reduction and weight loss benefits. Often prescribed off-label for weight loss.
Zepbound (tirzepatide injection, weight loss indication): Same drug as Mounjaro, FDA-approved 2023 specifically for weight loss. Dosing: 2.5–15 mg weekly.
Clinical impact: Tirzepatide's dual mechanism produces superior weight loss (22% vs. semaglutide's 15–18%). Represents next generation of GLP-1s.
Liraglutide Class (Novo Nordisk) — Older GLP-1
Liraglutide was the second GLP-1 approved and the first approved specifically for weight loss. Now less commonly prescribed due to inferior efficacy and daily dosing.
Victoza (liraglutide injection, diabetes indication): Approved 2010. Dosing: 0.6–1.8 mg daily. Pioneered GLP-1 use for type 2 diabetes.
Saxenda (liraglutide injection, weight loss indication): Approved 2014. Dosing: 1.2–3.0 mg daily. First-ever GLP-1 approved for weight loss. Weight loss: 8–10% (lower than modern alternatives).
Clinical impact: Liraglutide proved GLP-1s could be used for weight loss, but newer drugs have superior efficacy and better dosing schedules.
Other Approved GLP-1s
Dulaglutide (Trulicity, Eli Lilly): Approved 2014 for diabetes. Weekly injection. Weight loss: 3–5 lbs. Less effective than semaglutide or tirzepatide. Rarely used for weight loss off-label.
Exenatide (Byetta, AstraZeneca): First GLP-1 agonist approved (2005). Requires twice-daily injections. Largely replaced by once-weekly formulations. Still used in some diabetes practices.
Exenatide extended-release (Bydureon, AstraZeneca): Once-weekly version of exenatide (2012). Moderate efficacy. Less commonly used than semaglutide or tirzepatide.
Lixisenatide (Adlyxin, Sanofi): Approved 2016. Daily injection. Minimal weight loss; rarely prescribed. Not commonly available in the US.
Pipeline GLP-1s & Future Medications (Under Development)
Several new GLP-1s are in clinical trials or awaiting FDA approval:
Retatrutide (Triple GLP-1/GIP/GCG Agonist)
Developer: Eli Lilly.
Mechanism: Triple receptor agonist activating GLP-1, GIP, and glucagon receptors. Glucagon activation increases energy expenditure and metabolic rate.
Trial data (SURMOUNT): 24–28% weight loss at highest doses. Stronger than tirzepatide.
Status (2026): FDA review ongoing. Expected approval decision 2024–2025. Not yet widely available but anticipated soon.
Expected cost: Estimated $1,500–$2,000/month.
Orforglipron (Oral GLP-1)
Developer: Viking Therapeutics.
Mechanism: Oral GLP-1 receptor agonist. First fully oral GLP-1 (Rybelsus is technically a semaglutide tablet but has absorption challenges).
Trial data: Phase 2 data shows 8–15% weight loss. Still in development.
Status (2026): Phase 2/3 trials ongoing. Not yet approved. Expected FDA decision 2025–2026.
Survodutide (Dual GLP-1/GCG)
Developer: Roche.
Mechanism: GLP-1 and glucagon receptor agonist (not GIP). Focuses on appetite suppression and energy expenditure.
Trial data: Early phase 2 results show 10–18% weight loss.
Status (2026): Phase 2 trials. Early stage development.
Mazdutide (Triple Agonist)
Developer: Structure Therapeutics.
Mechanism: Triple GLP-1/GIP/GCG agonist, similar to retatrutide.
Status (2026): Phase 1/2 trials. Early development.
Pemvidutide (Dual GLP-1/GIP)
Developer: Viking Therapeutics.
Mechanism: Dual GLP-1/GIP agonist, similar to tirzepatide.
Trial data: Early phase 2 results show strong weight loss, potentially rivaling tirzepatide.
Status (2026): Phase 2 trials ongoing.
Mechanism Comparison: GLP-1 Only vs. Dual vs. Triple
| Mechanism | Drugs | Average Weight Loss | Key Effect |
|---|---|---|---|
| GLP-1 only | Semaglutide, Liraglutide, Exenatide, Dulaglutide | 8–18% | Appetite suppression |
| Dual GLP-1/GIP | Tirzepatide, Pemvidutide | 22–24% | Appetite + energy expenditure |
| Triple GLP-1/GIP/GCG | Retatrutide, Mazdutide | 24–28% | Appetite + energy + metabolic rate |
How to Choose: Which GLP-1 Is Right for You?
Best for weight loss efficacy: Tirzepatide (Mounjaro/Zepbound), then semaglutide (Wegovy/Ozempic), then retatrutide (when approved).
Best for tolerability: Semaglutide (lower nausea rates than tirzepatide), then liraglutide.
Best for convenience: Semaglutide or tirzepatide (weekly dosing vs. liraglutide's daily injections).
Best for diabetes primarily: Semaglutide (Ozempic) or tirzepatide (Mounjaro) for cardiovascular/kidney benefits. Strong diabetes indication with weight loss bonus.
Best oral option: Rybelsus (oral semaglutide), if available and tolerated. Remember: must be taken fasting.
Related Guides
How GLP-1s work, side effects, and what to expect.
Which GLP-1 Is Best for Weight Loss?Comparison of semaglutide, tirzepatide, and other options.
Oral Semaglutide (Rybelsus) GuideRybelsus efficacy, dosing, and comparison to injectable semaglutide.
Tirzepatide vs SemaglutideHead-to-head comparison for weight loss and diabetes.
Retatrutide: Next-Gen Triple AgonistRetatrutide efficacy, trial data, and FDA approval timeline.
Weight Loss Injections ComparisonAll weight loss medications and their costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
They differ in mechanism (GLP-1 only vs. dual agonists), dosing frequency (daily vs. weekly), approved indications (diabetes vs. weight loss), and efficacy. Semaglutide and tirzepatide are the most effective for weight loss. Liraglutide is an older option with lower efficacy. Newer drugs like retatrutide offer triple mechanisms for potentially stronger results.
Tirzepatide (Mounjaro/Zepbound) shows the highest weight loss: 22% body weight. Semaglutide (Wegovy/Ozempic) averages 15–18%. Retatrutide (pending approval) shows 24–28%. Individual response varies; some people respond better to one than another. Your doctor can help choose based on your health profile.
No. Semaglutide and liraglutide are GLP-1-only agonists. Tirzepatide is a dual GLP-1/GIP agonist. Retatrutide is a triple GLP-1/GIP/GCG agonist. The more receptors activated, generally the stronger the effect. Additionally, some are approved for diabetes, others for weight loss, and some for both.
Yes, switching is possible with medical supervision. You stop one GLP-1 and start another, typically with a 1-week washout period. Some people trial different GLP-1s to find the best tolerability and efficacy profile. Switching requires a new prescription and monitoring by your healthcare provider.
Both contain semaglutide, but Ozempic is approved and dosed for type 2 diabetes (0.5–1.0 mg weekly). Wegovy is approved specifically for weight loss (up to 2.4 mg weekly). Wegovy uses higher doses and is marketed for weight loss. Ozempic is used off-label for weight loss at higher doses.
As of 2026, most GLP-1s are still branded. Semaglutide has generic versions (particularly from compounding pharmacies), but branded Ozempic and Wegovy are still common. Tirzepatide generics are limited. Patents on these drugs expire between 2026–2032, opening the door for generics.