GLP-1 Medications

Table of Contents

Overview

GLP-1 receptor agonists are a class of medications that mimic the action of the natural GLP-1 hormone. These drugs help lower blood glucose, suppress appetite, and support weight loss. They are used primarily in the treatment of type 2 diabetes and, more recently, for chronic weight management.

Approved GLP-1 Medications

  • Exenatide – Byetta® (short-acting), Bydureon BCise® (weekly)
  • Liraglutide – Victoza® (diabetes), Saxenda® (weight loss)
  • Dulaglutide – Trulicity® (weekly)
  • Semaglutide – Ozempic® (weekly), Wegovy® (weight loss), Rybelsus® (oral)
  • Lixisenatide – Adlyxin® (daily)
  • Tirzepatide – Mounjaro® (dual GLP-1/GIP agonist – see Emerging Therapies)

Delivery Methods

Most GLP-1 medications are injectable, using a pen device for subcutaneous (under the skin) injection. However, semaglutide is also available in oral form under the brand name Rybelsus®.

  • Daily Injection: Liraglutide, Lixisenatide
  • Weekly Injection: Dulaglutide, Exenatide (Bydureon), Semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy)
  • Oral Tablet: Semaglutide (Rybelsus)

Medical Uses

  • Type 2 Diabetes: Most GLP-1 medications were originally developed and approved for glycemic control.
  • Obesity / Weight Management: Liraglutide (Saxenda) and Semaglutide (Wegovy) are specifically approved for weight loss in patients with obesity or overweight with a weight-related condition.
  • Cardiovascular Risk Reduction: Some GLP-1 drugs (e.g., liraglutide, semaglutide) are also approved to reduce risk of major adverse cardiovascular events in high-risk patients.

Differences Between Medications

GLP-1 medications differ by:

  • Half-life & dosing frequency (daily vs. weekly)
  • Side effect profiles (e.g., gastrointestinal tolerance)
  • Indications (diabetes only vs. also for obesity)
  • Formulation (injectable vs. oral)

Refer to our Comparing GLP-1 Medications page for a side-by-side breakdown of these factors.

Scientific References

  1. American Diabetes Association. “Pharmacologic Approaches to Glycemic Treatment.” Diabetes Care. 2024;47(Suppl 1):S125–S143.
  2. FDA Drug Approval History: GLP-1 Receptor Agonists. 2024.
  3. Kushner RF, et al. “Obesity Management with GLP-1 RAs in Clinical Practice.” Obesity. 2023;31(5):895–903.
  4. Drucker DJ. “GLP-1–based therapeutics: mechanisms and opportunities.” Cell Metab. 2018;27(4):740–756.

This article is part of the GLP-1 Basics collection from ACGNG. All content is reviewed by healthcare experts and based on peer-reviewed scientific evidence.