The main GLP-1 brands

The main GLP-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA) brands, grouped by active ingredient, are:

Active Ingredient	Key Brand Names	Manufacturer	Primary Indications
Semaglutide	Ozempic (weekly injection) Rybelsus (daily oral tablet) Wegovy (weekly injection, higher dose)	Novo Nordisk	Type 2 diabetes (Ozempic, Rybelsus); chronic weight management (Wegovy)
Liraglutide	Victoza (daily injection) Saxenda (daily injection, higher dose)	Novo Nordisk	Type 2 diabetes (Victoza); chronic weight management (Saxenda)
Dulaglutide	Trulicity (weekly injection)	Eli Lilly	Type 2 diabetes; cardiovascular risk reduction
Tirzepatide (dual GIP/GLP-1 RA)	Mounjaro (weekly injection) Zepbound (weekly injection, higher dose)	Eli Lilly	Type 2 diabetes (Mounjaro); chronic weight management (Zepbound)
Exenatide	Byetta (twice-daily injection) Bydureon / Bydureon BCise (weekly injection)	AstraZeneca	Type 2 diabetes
Lixisenatide	Adlyxin (daily injection)	Sanofi	Type 2 diabetes
Albiglutide (discontinued 2017)	Tanzeum	GSK	—

 

Notes

• Semaglutide and tirzepatide dominate current prescriptions due to superior A1C reduction and weight-loss data.
• All except Rybelsus are injectable; Rybelsus is the only oral GLP-1.

GLP-1 drugs (GLP-1 receptor agonists, or GLP-1 RAs) mimic the action of the natural hormone GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1), which is released by intestinal L-cells after eating. They bind to and activate GLP-1 receptors on various tissues, producing coordinated effects that lower blood glucose and promote weight loss.

Core Mechanisms of Action

Effect	How It Works	Clinical Outcome
↑ Insulin secretion (glucose-dependent)	Stimulates pancreatic β-cells to release insulin only when blood glucose is high.	Lowers post-meal blood sugar spikes; minimal hypoglycemia risk.
↓ Glucagon secretion	Suppresses α-cells in the pancreas from releasing glucagon (especially when glucose is high).	Reduces liver glucose production.
↓ Gastric emptying	Slows the rate at which food leaves the stomach.	Prolongs satiety; blunts post-meal glucose peaks.
↑ Satiety (appetite suppression)	Acts on GLP-1 receptors in the hypothalamus (brain).	Reduces hunger and calorie intake → weight loss.
↓ Hepatic glucose output	Indirectly via reduced glucagon and improved insulin sensitivity.	Lowers fasting blood glucose.