GLP-1 Medications Reference

GLP-1 medications reference

This reference catalogs every GLP-1 receptor agonist commonly available in the United States in 2026, organized by active ingredient and brand. The focus of this site is tirzepatide and its forms (Mounjaro, Zepbound, compounded tirzepatide), but the comparison-class medications — semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy, Rybelsus), liraglutide (Victoza, Saxenda), and dulaglutide (Trulicity) — are included because clinical and treatment decisions are made by comparison across the class.

All pages in this section

• Tirzepatide — Dual GIP/GLP-1 agonist. Brand: Mounjaro (T2D), Zepbound (obesity, OSA). Highest weight loss in the class to date.
• Mounjaro — Eli Lilly's brand-name tirzepatide for type 2 diabetes. FDA-approved May 2022.
• Zepbound — Eli Lilly's brand-name tirzepatide for chronic weight management (Nov 2023) and OSA in obesity (Dec 2024).
• Compounded tirzepatide — Non-FDA-approved compounded formulations of the tirzepatide active ingredient. Regulatory environment narrowed post-2024 shortage resolution.
• Semaglutide — GLP-1 receptor agonist. Brand: Ozempic (T2D), Wegovy (obesity + CV risk reduction), Rybelsus (oral).
• Ozempic — Novo Nordisk's brand-name semaglutide for type 2 diabetes. FDA-approved December 2017.
• Wegovy — Novo Nordisk's brand-name semaglutide for chronic weight management (June 2021) and CV risk reduction (March 2024).
• Rybelsus — Novo Nordisk's oral semaglutide. The only oral GLP-1 available in the US. FDA-approved September 2019.
• Liraglutide — Daily GLP-1 agonist. Brand: Victoza (T2D), Saxenda (obesity).
• Victoza — Novo Nordisk's brand-name liraglutide for type 2 diabetes. FDA-approved 2010.
• Saxenda — Novo Nordisk's brand-name liraglutide 3.0 mg for chronic weight management. FDA-approved 2014.
• Dulaglutide (Trulicity) — Eli Lilly's weekly GLP-1 agonist for type 2 diabetes. FDA-approved 2014, with cardiovascular indication expanded 2020.

Frequently asked questions

Which GLP-1 medication produces the most weight loss?

Tirzepatide (Mounjaro/Zepbound) consistently produces the most weight loss in the GLP-1 class to date, with SURMOUNT-1 showing mean 20.9% body weight loss at 15 mg over 72 weeks. SURMOUNT-5 directly demonstrated superiority over semaglutide 2.4 mg in adults with obesity.

Which GLP-1 has the best cardiovascular evidence?

Semaglutide (Wegovy) has the most robust cardiovascular outcomes data, with the SELECT trial (2023) demonstrating a 20% reduction in major adverse cardiovascular events in adults with established CVD and overweight or obesity without diabetes. This led to Wegovy's March 2024 FDA approval for cardiovascular risk reduction.

Is there an oral GLP-1 available?

Yes — Rybelsus (oral semaglutide) is the only oral GLP-1 receptor agonist available in the US, FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes. It requires strict administration: 30 minutes before the first food, drink, or medications of the day, with no more than 4 ounces of plain water.

What's the difference between Mounjaro and Zepbound?

Same active ingredient (tirzepatide), same manufacturer (Eli Lilly), but different FDA-approved labels. Mounjaro is approved for type 2 diabetes; Zepbound is approved for chronic weight management and moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea in obesity. Insurance coverage pathways and prescribing decisions depend on the patient's diagnosis.