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semaglutide or tirzepatide
Semaglutide and tirzepatide are GLP-1 receptor agonists that enhance glucose-dependent insulin secretion and reduce glucagon secretion, leading to improved glycemic control and weight loss.
Semaglutide and tirzepatide are both advanced GLP-1 receptor agonists developed for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and obesity. Semaglutide, marketed by Novo Nordisk, has been approved for both conditions, while tirzepatide, developed by Eli Lilly, is approved for type 2 diabetes and is in late-stage trials for obesity. Both drugs have shown significant efficacy in reducing HbA1c levels and body weight, with semaglutide demonstrating a slight edge in weight loss. However, they come with a range of side effects, including gastrointestinal issues, which can be managed with dose titration. The drugs are administered via subcutaneous injection and have been well-received commercially, with semaglutide leading in current revenue and peak sales estimates.
At a glance
| Generic name | semaglutide or tirzepatide |
|---|---|
| Sponsor | Mayo Clinic |
| Drug class | GLP-1 receptor agonist |
| Target | GLP-1 receptor |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Metabolic |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
These drugs mimic the action of the incretin hormone GLP-1, which is released in response to food intake and helps regulate blood glucose levels by stimulating insulin release and inhibiting glucagon secretion. They also slow gastric emptying, which contributes to their weight-loss effects.
Approved indications
Pipeline indications
Boxed warnings
- Risk of thyroid C-cell tumors in patients with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or in patients with Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2.
Common side effects
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Dizziness
- Headache
Drug interactions
- Antidiabetic agents
- Insulin
- Oral hypoglycemics
Key clinical trials
- A Study of a Weight Loss Intervention in People With Endometrial Cancer (EARLY_PHASE1)
- SHAPE-ENDO: Multimodal Pre-Surgical Optimization in Patients With Obesity and Early-Stage Endometrial Cancer
- A Study to Estimate Early Clinical Efficacy Signals of GLP-1 Agonist Administration in Conjunction With Levonorgestrel Intrauterine Device in Obese Patients With Endometrioid Intraepithelial Neoplasia (PHASE2)
- LEAN Mass Preservation With Resistance Exercise and Protein During Semaglutide/Tirzepatide Therapy (NA)
- A Study of LY3457263 Compared With Placebo in Participants With Type 2 Diabetes on a Stable Dose of Semaglutide or Tirzepatide (PHASE2)
- Assessing Biological Aging in a Real-World Medical Weight Loss Program Using the LinAge2 Clinical Clock
- INcreTin-based thERapies for Cardiovascular Event PrevenTion in Patients With and Without ASCVD (INTERCEPT-ASCVD)
- Metabolic Interventions (Time-Restricted Eating, GLP1 Receptor Agonist, and Heart Healthy Diet) to Improve Cardiometabolic Health in Prostate Cancer Patients During Androgen Deprivation Therapy, IMPACT-ADT Trial (PHASE2)
Patents
| Patent | Expiry | Type |
|---|---|---|
| US9290477B2 | 2034-06-15 | |
| US9662337B2 | 2034-06-15 |
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
| FDA Orange Book | Patents + exclusivity |
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:
- semaglutide or tirzepatide CI brief — competitive landscape report
- semaglutide or tirzepatide updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- Mayo Clinic portfolio CI