GLP-1 Medication Profiles by Active Ingredient

Table of Contents

Overview

Each GLP-1 receptor agonist is based on a different molecule, with slight variations in structure, duration, and indication. Some are daily, others weekly. Some target diabetes only, while others are approved for weight loss.

Exenatide

  • Brands: Byetta® (twice daily), Bydureon BCise® (once weekly)
  • Indications: Type 2 diabetes
  • Notes: The first GLP-1 agonist approved; derived from Gila monster saliva; short-acting compared to newer agents

For more information about Exenatide – Click here.

Liraglutide

  • Brands: Victoza® (diabetes), Saxenda® (weight loss)
  • Indications: Type 2 diabetes, chronic weight management
  • Dosing: Once daily injection
  • Notes: Approved for both diabetes and obesity; effective for moderate weight loss; may cause nausea at initiation

For more information about Liraglutide – Click here.

Dulaglutide

  • Brand: Trulicity®
  • Indications: Type 2 diabetes; cardiovascular risk reduction
  • Dosing: Once weekly injection
  • Notes: Easy-to-use auto-injector; limited weight loss effect compared to semaglutide

For more information about Dulaglutide – Click here.

Semaglutide

  • Brands: Ozempic® (diabetes), Wegovy® (weight loss), Rybelsus® (oral)
  • Indications: Type 2 diabetes, chronic weight management
  • Dosing: Weekly injection (Ozempic/Wegovy), daily oral tablet (Rybelsus)
  • Notes: Highly effective for weight loss; strong GLP-1 receptor affinity; best studied in STEP clinical trials

For more information about Semaglutide – Click here.

Lixisenatide

  • Brand: Adlyxin®
  • Indications: Type 2 diabetes
  • Dosing: Once daily injection
  • Notes: Less commonly prescribed; may be used in fixed-dose combination with insulin glargine (Soliqua®)

For more information about Lixisenatide – Click here.

Tirzepatide

  • Brand: Mounjaro®, Zepbound®
  • Type: Dual GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist
  • Indications: Type 2 diabetes; pending approval for obesity in some regions
  • Dosing: Once weekly injection
  • Notes: Shows superior weight loss outcomes vs. semaglutide in trials; represents next-generation incretin therapy

For more information about Tirzepatide – Click here.

Scientific References

  1. American Diabetes Association. “Pharmacologic Approaches to Glycemic Treatment.” Diabetes Care. 2024;47(Suppl 1):S125–S143.
  2. Drucker DJ. “GLP-1–based therapeutics: mechanisms and opportunities.” Cell Metab. 2018;27(4):740–756.
  3. Wilding JPH et al. “Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity.” New England Journal of Medicine. 2021;384:989–1002.
  4. Jastreboff AM et al. “Tirzepatide Once Weekly for the Treatment of Obesity.” NEJM. 2022;387:205–216.

This article is part of the GLP-1 Basics series by the American Center for GLP-1 Nutritional Guidance (ACGNG). All information is for educational purposes and not intended as medical advice.