GLP-1 receptor agonists
GLP-1 receptor agonists are engineered versions of the gut hormone GLP-1 that activate the GLP-1 receptor, a cell-surface receptor that raises cyclic AMP in pancreatic beta cells. According to their FDA labels, this increases insulin release and lowers glucagon only when glucose is elevated, and it delays gastric emptying. GLP-1 receptors are also present in several brain areas involved in appetite regulation. Native GLP-1 lasts only 1.5 to 2 minutes in the blood, so these drugs are modified to resist the enzymes that break it down.
How the members differ
- Liraglutide shares 97% sequence homology with native GLP-1 and is given once daily; its labels attribute its duration to self-association, plasma protein binding and resistance to degrading enzymes.
- Semaglutide shares 94% homology and carries a C18 fatty di-acid that binds albumin, giving a long half-life; it is sold in injectable and oral forms.
- Both have cardiovascular outcome trials in type 2 diabetes (LEADER for liraglutide, SUSTAIN-6 for semaglutide), and semaglutide also has the SELECT trial in obesity without diabetes.
- Peptides that add GIP or glucagon receptor activity to GLP-1 activity are covered under GIP and glucagon co-agonists, and amycretin under amylin analogues.
Compounds in this group
SemaglutideHuman trial evidence · FDA-approvedSemaglutide is a modified version of the gut hormone GLP-1 that is approved by the FDA, in injectable and oral forms, for type 2 diabetes, chronic weight management, cardiovascular risk reduction and related indications. Large randomized trials have studied its effects on body weight, cardiovascular events and kidney outcomes, and the most frequently reported adverse events are gastrointestinal. This entry summarizes the FDA labels and published trials for research reference only.
LiraglutideHuman trial evidence · FDA-approvedLiraglutide is a once-daily GLP-1 receptor agonist that is approved by the FDA for type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular risk reduction (Victoza) and for chronic weight management (Saxenda). It is shorter acting than the once-weekly agents semaglutide and tirzepatide, with a half-life of about 13 hours. This entry summarizes the FDA labels and pivotal published trials for research reference only.
DulaglutideHuman trial evidence · FDA-approvedDulaglutide is a once-weekly GLP-1 receptor agonist fusion protein, FDA-approved as Trulicity for glycemic control in type 2 diabetes (adults and children 10 years and older) and for reducing major adverse cardiovascular events in adults with type 2 diabetes.
ExenatideHuman trial evidence · FDA-approvedExenatide is a synthetic 39-amino-acid GLP-1 receptor agonist originally identified in Gila monster venom, FDA-approved (initial U.S. approval 2005) as a twice-daily injection for glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes.
EcnoglutideHuman trial evidence · Approved outside the USEcnoglutide (XW003) is a long-acting, cAMP-biased GLP-1 receptor agonist developed by Sciwind Biosciences that received its first approvals in China in 2026, for glycaemic control in type 2 diabetes and then for long-term weight management; it is not approved in the United States.
Compare Semaglutide, Liraglutide, Dulaglutide side by side
For research use only. Not for human or veterinary use. Not a drug, food, or dietary supplement. Mechanism descriptions summarize published research and are not claims of effect in people.