Basics

Complete List of GLP-1 Medications in 2026: Names, Uses & Availability

GLP-1 Companion · 9 min read

The market for GLP-1 receptor agonists has expanded significantly over the past several years. What began as a class of diabetes drugs has grown into a broad family of medications that also treat obesity and reduce cardiovascular risk. Below is a comprehensive guide to every major GLP-1 and dual-incretin medication available in 2026.

Semaglutide-Based Medications

Ozempic (Semaglutide Injection)

Ozempic is manufactured by Novo Nordisk and was FDA-approved in 2017 for type 2 diabetes. It is administered as a once-weekly subcutaneous injection. Available doses include 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1.0 mg, and 2.0 mg. Ozempic has become one of the most widely prescribed GLP-1 medications in the world, in part due to extensive off-label use for weight management. It has demonstrated cardiovascular risk reduction in the SUSTAIN 6 trial.

Wegovy (Semaglutide Injection)

Wegovy, also from Novo Nordisk, was FDA-approved in 2021 specifically for chronic weight management. It contains the same semaglutide molecule as Ozempic but at a higher maintenance dose of 2.4 mg per week. The dose escalation schedule spans 16 weeks. Wegovy also received FDA approval for cardiovascular risk reduction in March 2024, making it the first anti-obesity medication to carry this indication.

Rybelsus (Oral Semaglutide for Diabetes)

Rybelsus was FDA-approved in 2019 for type 2 diabetes. It comes in 3 mg, 7 mg, and 14 mg tablets taken once daily on an empty stomach with no more than 4 ounces of water. Absorption is limited (about 1 percent bioavailability), which is why relatively high oral doses are needed. In October 2025, the FDA expanded Rybelsus's label to include cardiovascular risk reduction based on the SOUL trial, which demonstrated meaningful reductions in major adverse cardiovascular events in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Wegovy Pill (Oral Semaglutide for Obesity) — FDA Approved December 2025

Novo Nordisk's oral semaglutide pill for obesity was FDA-approved on December 22, 2025 — the first GLP-1 pill approved specifically for weight management. The starting dose is 25 mg daily (significantly higher than Rybelsus due to a different formulation technology). Clinical trials showed approximately 13.6 to 17 percent weight loss. Like Rybelsus, it must be taken on an empty stomach but uses an improved absorption enhancer for better bioavailability than the diabetes formulation. List price begins at approximately $149 per month.

Tirzepatide-Based Medications (Dual GLP-1/GIP Agonists)

Mounjaro (Tirzepatide Injection)

Mounjaro, manufactured by Eli Lilly, was FDA-approved in 2022 for type 2 diabetes. It is the first dual GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist, activating both incretin pathways simultaneously. Available in doses of 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 7.5 mg, 10 mg, 12.5 mg, and 15 mg, it is administered once weekly via subcutaneous injection. Clinical trials showed exceptional glycemic control and significant weight loss in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Zepbound (Tirzepatide Injection)

Zepbound, also by Eli Lilly, was FDA-approved in November 2023 for chronic weight management. It uses the same tirzepatide molecule as Mounjaro with identical dose options. In the SURMOUNT trial series, Zepbound produced average weight loss of up to 22.5 percent of body weight, making it one of the most effective FDA-approved weight loss medications available. In December 2024, Zepbound received a second FDA approval — for moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in adults with obesity — becoming the first medication ever approved for this indication. The SURMOUNT-OSA trial showed tirzepatide reduced sleep apnea severity (AHI) by 55 to 63 percent, with up to half of participants achieving disease resolution.

Liraglutide-Based Medications

Victoza (Liraglutide Injection)

Victoza, by Novo Nordisk, was FDA-approved in 2010 for type 2 diabetes. It requires once-daily subcutaneous injection at doses of 0.6 mg, 1.2 mg, or 1.8 mg. As one of the earlier GLP-1 receptor agonists, it paved the way for the class. It demonstrated cardiovascular risk reduction in the LEADER trial. While still available, it has been largely supplanted by longer-acting options like semaglutide.

Saxenda (Liraglutide Injection)

Saxenda was FDA-approved in 2014 for chronic weight management. It uses the same liraglutide molecule as Victoza but at a higher dose of 3.0 mg daily. The daily injection requirement and more modest weight loss results (approximately 5 to 8 percent of body weight) compared to newer weekly options have made it less popular in recent years. In August 2025, the FDA approved the first generic liraglutide for weight management (Teva Pharmaceuticals), potentially reducing costs for some patients.

Other GLP-1 Receptor Agonists

Trulicity (Dulaglutide Injection)

Trulicity, manufactured by Eli Lilly, was FDA-approved in 2014 for type 2 diabetes. It is administered once weekly in doses of 0.75 mg, 1.5 mg, 3.0 mg, or 4.5 mg. Trulicity comes in a pre-filled, ready-to-use pen that does not require needle attachment, making it particularly user-friendly. The REWIND trial demonstrated cardiovascular benefits in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Bydureon BCise (Exenatide Extended-Release)

Bydureon BCise is an extended-release formulation of exenatide approved for type 2 diabetes. It is injected once weekly at a fixed dose of 2 mg. While still available, it produces more modest glucose and weight reductions compared to newer agents and is used less frequently in current clinical practice.

Byetta (Exenatide Injection)

Byetta was the first GLP-1 receptor agonist approved by the FDA, reaching the market in 2005. It requires twice-daily injections of 5 mcg or 10 mcg. As the earliest drug in its class, it is now rarely prescribed as a first-line option due to the availability of more effective once-weekly alternatives.

New Approvals in 2025–2026

Wegovy Pill — FDA Approved for MASH (August 2025)

In August 2025, the FDA granted accelerated approval of semaglutide (Wegovy) for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) — a serious form of fatty liver disease — marking the first GLP-1 approval for a liver condition. This is distinct from the weight loss indication and targeted specifically at patients with biopsy-confirmed MASH and significant liver fibrosis.

Foundayo (Orforglipron) — FDA Approved April 2026

Foundayo (orforglipron), developed by Eli Lilly, was FDA-approved on April 1, 2026, and is the first oral GLP-1 receptor agonist that is a small molecule (non-peptide). Unlike Rybelsus, it can be taken with food and water without timing restrictions. Clinical trials showed approximately 11.2 percent weight loss at 72 weeks. It is approved for both type 2 diabetes and weight management. List price starts at approximately $25 per month with commercial insurance, making it significantly more accessible than injectable options.

Late-Stage Pipeline (Expected 2026–2027)

• CagriSema (Novo Nordisk): A combination of semaglutide and the amylin analog cagrilintide. The REDEFINE 1 trial (published NEJM, June 2025) showed 20.4% weight loss at 68 weeks in non-diabetic obesity, with 60% of participants losing ≥20% of body weight. NDA submission expected in 2026.
• Retatrutide (Eli Lilly): A triple agonist targeting GLP-1, GIP, and glucagon receptors simultaneously. Phase 3 TRIUMPH-4 trial (December 2025) showed 28.7% weight loss at 68 weeks — the highest ever recorded in a Phase 3 obesity trial. Also reduced knee osteoarthritis pain by 75.8%. NDA filing expected Q4 2026.
• Survodutide (Boehringer Ingelheim): A dual GLP-1/glucagon receptor agonist showing promising weight loss and liver fat reduction in trials, with potential for MASH treatment.
• Oral tirzepatide (Eli Lilly): An oral formulation of tirzepatide in late-stage trials with promising bioavailability results.

Comparing Availability and Supply

Supply shortages have affected multiple GLP-1 medications since 2022 due to unprecedented demand. As of early 2026, availability has improved substantially as manufacturers have expanded production capacity. However, intermittent shortages of specific doses may still occur. Patients should maintain communication with their pharmacy and prescriber to manage any supply disruptions.

Quick Comparison Table Summary

• Best for type 2 diabetes with weekly dosing: Ozempic, Mounjaro, Trulicity
• Best for weight management (injectable): Wegovy, Zepbound
• Best for weight management (oral, no injection): Oral Wegovy pill (~13–17% weight loss) or Foundayo/orforglipron (~11% weight loss)
• Best for patients preferring oral medication for diabetes: Rybelsus, Foundayo
• Best for cardiovascular risk reduction: Wegovy (FDA-approved indication), Ozempic and Rybelsus (trial data)
• Best for sleep apnea in patients with obesity: Zepbound (only FDA-approved option)
• Best for liver disease (MASH): Wegovy (FDA accelerated approval, August 2025)
• Most weight loss in completed clinical trials: Zepbound/Mounjaro at 15 mg (22.5% in SURMOUNT-1)
• Most weight loss in Phase 3 trials (not yet approved): Retatrutide (28.7% in TRIUMPH-4)

Key Takeaways

The GLP-1 medication class offers more options than ever before, from once-daily pills to once-weekly injections to dual and triple agonists. The right choice depends on your diagnosis, treatment goals, insurance coverage, and personal preferences. Work with your healthcare provider to identify the medication that best fits your needs.

Sources

• Wilding et al. (2021). Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity. NEJM.
• Jastreboff et al. (2022). Tirzepatide Once Weekly for the Treatment of Obesity. NEJM.