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Understanding the Answer to: What is the Generic Name for GLP-1?

4 min read

Contrary to what many believe, there is no single generic name for GLP-1, as it refers to a class of powerful medications known as glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs). These drugs mimic a natural hormone in the body, but each individual medication within this class has its own specific generic and brand name. This article clarifies the distinction and identifies the generic names associated with some of the most prominent GLP-1 drugs on the market.

Quick Summary

GLP-1 is a class of medications, with each individual drug having its own generic name. Common examples include semaglutide, tirzepatide, and liraglutide, which are used to treat conditions like type 2 diabetes and obesity.

Key Points

  • GLP-1 is a drug class, not a single medication: There is no one generic name for GLP-1, as it is a category of medications known as GLP-1 receptor agonists.

  • Semaglutide is a key generic name: Semaglutide is the generic name for the popular brand-name drugs Ozempic (for diabetes), Wegovy (for weight loss), and Rybelsus (an oral tablet for diabetes).

  • Tirzepatide is another significant generic name: Tirzepatide is the generic name for the dual-action GIP/GLP-1 agonist, found in Mounjaro (for diabetes) and Zepbound (for weight loss).

  • Liraglutide generic versions exist: Liraglutide is the generic name for Victoza (for diabetes) and Saxenda (for weight loss), and an FDA-approved generic version of Victoza became available in late 2024.

  • Exenatide also has generic options: Exenatide, the generic for the older GLP-1 agonist Byetta, received FDA approval for generic versions in 2024.

  • Compounded versions are not FDA-approved: Many compounded versions of GLP-1s are not regulated by the FDA, and the agency has issued warnings against their use.

  • Brand names can have different uses: It is important to note that a single generic can be marketed under different brand names for different approved indications (e.g., semaglutide as Ozempic for diabetes vs. Wegovy for weight loss).

In This Article

The term GLP-1 refers to a naturally occurring gut hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1. In medicine, "GLP-1 drugs" or "GLP-1 agonists" are a class of drugs designed to mimic this hormone's action in the body, which helps regulate blood sugar, slows digestion, and affects appetite. Since GLP-1 is a class, or category, of medications, it doesn't have a single generic name in the way that, for example, atorvastatin is the generic name for Lipitor. Instead, each drug within this class has its own unique generic name.

Understanding the Difference: Generic vs. Brand

In the pharmaceutical world, a generic drug is a copy of a brand-name drug with the same active ingredient, strength, and dosage form, and is sold at a lower price after the original patent expires. The original drug manufacturer develops and markets the brand-name product (e.g., Ozempic). When the patent protection ends, other companies can produce generic versions of the active ingredient (e.g., semaglutide). The FDA rigorously checks generic drugs to ensure they are bioequivalent to their brand-name counterparts, meaning they work in the same way and provide the same clinical benefit.

Key Generic Names for GLP-1 Receptor Agonists

Several different GLP-1 receptor agonists are approved for use. Their generic names are distinct from one another, just as their formulations and specific indications can vary. Below is a breakdown of the most common GLP-1 drugs and their respective generic names.

Semaglutide

  • Brand Names: Ozempic, Wegovy, Rybelsus.
  • Indications: Semaglutide is the generic name for these popular medications. Ozempic is approved for type 2 diabetes, while Wegovy is approved for chronic weight management. Rybelsus is an oral tablet formulation of semaglutide for type 2 diabetes. As of late 2025, there is no FDA-approved generic version of semaglutide available.

Tirzepatide

  • Brand Names: Mounjaro, Zepbound.
  • Indications: Tirzepatide is a dual-action agonist, meaning it mimics not only GLP-1 but also GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide). Mounjaro is indicated for type 2 diabetes, while Zepbound is approved for chronic weight management. Tirzepatide currently has no FDA-approved generic versions.

Liraglutide

  • Brand Names: Victoza, Saxenda.
  • Indications: Victoza is approved for type 2 diabetes, and Saxenda is a higher-dose version approved for weight loss. A generic version of Victoza (liraglutide) for type 2 diabetes became available in the U.S. in late 2024, making it more affordable for some patients.

Dulaglutide

  • Brand Name: Trulicity.
  • Indication: Trulicity (dulaglutide) is a once-weekly injectable approved for type 2 diabetes and to reduce cardiovascular events in certain adults. There is no generic version available at this time.

Exenatide

  • Brand Names: Byetta, Bydureon.
  • Indication: Exenatide is one of the older GLP-1 agonists approved for type 2 diabetes. Byetta is a twice-daily injection, while Bydureon is an extended-release, once-weekly version. A generic version of exenatide was approved in late 2024.

The Rise of Compounded GLP-1 Drugs

Due to high demand and cost, compounded versions of GLP-1 drugs have become available. However, these are not FDA-approved, are not required to meet the same safety standards as commercial drugs, and the FDA has issued warnings about them. Using compounded drugs without a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider is strongly discouraged.

Comparing Popular GLP-1 Receptor Agonists

Generic Name Brand Name(s) FDA-Approved For Administration Notes
Semaglutide Ozempic, Wegovy, Rybelsus Type 2 diabetes (Ozempic, Rybelsus); Chronic weight management (Wegovy) Weekly Injection (Ozempic, Wegovy); Daily Oral Tablet (Rybelsus) Highly effective; no generic currently available for weight loss or diabetes.
Tirzepatide Mounjaro, Zepbound Type 2 diabetes (Mounjaro); Chronic weight management (Zepbound) Weekly Injection Dual GIP/GLP-1 agonist; no generic available.
Liraglutide Victoza, Saxenda Type 2 diabetes (Victoza); Chronic weight management (Saxenda) Daily Injection A generic version of Victoza was approved in late 2024, providing a lower-cost option for diabetes.
Dulaglutide Trulicity Type 2 diabetes Weekly Injection No generic version currently available.
Exenatide Byetta, Bydureon BCise Type 2 diabetes Twice-daily or weekly injection A generic version of exenatide was approved in late 2024.

Conclusion

In summary, asking "What is the generic name for GLP-1?" is fundamentally a misconception, as GLP-1 is a drug class, not a singular active ingredient. The correct approach is to identify the generic name for a specific GLP-1 receptor agonist, such as semaglutide, tirzepatide, liraglutide, or dulaglutide. Understanding the specific generic and brand name for each medication is crucial for healthcare providers and patients alike. This knowledge is important for proper prescribing, distinguishing between FDA-approved and unapproved compounded versions, and navigating the nuances of different formulations and costs. With the patent expiration of some older GLP-1 agonists, more affordable generic options are slowly entering the market, but the newest and most popular agents like semaglutide and tirzepatide remain available exclusively under their brand names for now. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, it is always best to consult reliable sources like the FDA or speak directly with a licensed healthcare provider.

Frequently Asked Questions

The generic name for Ozempic is semaglutide. It is prescribed for adults with type 2 diabetes and is also available under the brand name Wegovy for chronic weight management and Rybelsus in an oral tablet form.

The generic name for both Mounjaro and Zepbound is tirzepatide. Mounjaro is indicated for type 2 diabetes, while Zepbound is approved for chronic weight management.

Yes, liraglutide is the generic name for the brand-name medications Victoza (for type 2 diabetes) and Saxenda (for weight loss). A generic version of Victoza (liraglutide) became available in the U.S. in late 2024.

Yes, FDA-approved generic versions of liraglutide (for Victoza) and exenatide (for Byetta) became available in 2024. However, popular newer agents like semaglutide and tirzepatide do not yet have FDA-approved generic equivalents.

The FDA has issued warnings about compounded versions of GLP-1 medications, which are not FDA-approved and do not undergo the same safety, quality, and effectiveness checks as commercial drugs. It is best to use only FDA-approved medications prescribed by a licensed healthcare provider.

You can verify the FDA approval status by checking the official FDA Orange Book or discussing it with your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Your prescription should specify the active ingredient (generic name) and confirm it's not a compounded product.

A single generic drug can be marketed under different brand names with different dosages and FDA approvals for specific conditions. For example, semaglutide is sold as Ozempic for diabetes and Wegovy for weight loss, as each brand has a different approved purpose.

References

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Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice.