GLP-1 medicines mimic a hormone made in the gut that helps the pancreas release insulin and slows how fast the stomach empties. The first, exenatide (Byetta), was approved by FDA on April 28, 2005. Since then FDA has approved daily and weekly injections, tablets, and tirzepatide, which also acts on a second hormone. As of October 2026, options include Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, Zepbound, the Wegovy pill, and Foundayo.

Key takeaways

  • Researchers identified GLP-1 in the early 1980s. The natural hormone lasts only about 1 to 2 minutes in the body, so drugs had to be designed to last longer.
  • Exenatide is a synthetic version of exendin-4, which was first found in the saliva of the Gila monster. FDA approved it for type 2 diabetes on April 28, 2005.
  • Liraglutide (2010), dulaglutide (2014), and semaglutide (2017) followed. Wegovy, approved in 2021, and Zepbound, approved in 2023, are for chronic weight management.
  • FDA approved the Wegovy pill in December 2025 and Foundayo (orforglipron) on April 1, 2026, both once-daily oral options for weight management.
  • Access is not only about supply. Coverage, prior authorization, and price all matter, and a pharmacy can still be out of one strength.

Where did GLP-1 medicines come from?

A large review in Molecular Metabolism traces the story. In the early 1980s, researchers decoding the gene for proglucagon found two glucagon-like peptides, GLP-1 and GLP-2. GLP-1 turned out to prompt insulin release only when blood sugar is high. It also slows stomach emptying and reduces food intake.

The challenge was that natural GLP-1 has a half-life of roughly 1 to 2 minutes, because an enzyme called DPP-4 quickly breaks it down. Drug makers needed versions that would last. One came from an unexpected place. Exenatide is a synthetic copy of exendin-4, a peptide first discovered in the saliva of the Gila monster, and it is about 53% similar to human GLP-1 over its first 30 amino acids.

What were the first approvals?

FDA's Drugs@FDA records give these original approval dates:

  • April 28, 2005: Byetta (exenatide). For type 2 diabetes in people not reaching their goals on metformin, a sulfonylurea, or both. FDA now lists Byetta as discontinued.
  • January 25, 2010: Victoza (liraglutide). A once-daily injection for adults with type 2 diabetes.
  • September 18, 2014: Trulicity (dulaglutide).
  • December 23, 2014: Saxenda (liraglutide). An injection for chronic weight management in adults with obesity, or overweight with a weight-related condition.
  • December 5, 2017: Ozempic (semaglutide). For adults with type 2 diabetes.

How did GLP-1 medicines grow beyond diabetes?

  • September 20, 2019: Rybelsus. Semaglutide tablets for adults with type 2 diabetes.
  • June 4, 2021: Wegovy. Semaglutide injection for chronic weight management. FDA's 2025 order describes Wegovy's label as also covering a reduced risk of major cardiovascular events in adults with established heart disease and obesity or overweight.
  • May 13, 2022: Mounjaro (tirzepatide). For adults with type 2 diabetes. The American Diabetes Association describes tirzepatide as a dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist, meaning it acts on two gut hormones.
  • November 8, 2023: Zepbound (tirzepatide). For chronic weight management in adults.
  • December 22, 2025: the Wegovy pill. Novo Nordisk announced FDA approval of a once-daily oral semaglutide for weight management and cardiovascular risk reduction in certain adults.
  • April 1, 2026: Foundayo (orforglipron). FDA approved this once-daily tablet for weight management in adults. It carries a boxed warning about thyroid C-cell tumors.

Heart outcomes helped drive this expansion. In the SELECT trial of 17,604 adults with heart disease and overweight or obesity but no diabetes, major cardiovascular events happened in 6.5% of people taking semaglutide 2.4 mg and 8.0% of those taking placebo.

What GLP-1 options exist as of October 2026?

FDA's database lists these brands as prescription products: Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, Zepbound, Victoza, Saxenda, and Trulicity. The two newest oral options are the Wegovy pill and Foundayo. In general:

  • For type 2 diabetes: Ozempic, Mounjaro, Victoza, and Trulicity.
  • For chronic weight management: Wegovy (injection and pill), Zepbound, Saxenda, and Foundayo.

The labels differ in who they cover, so which one fits a person is a decision for that person and their prescriber. The safety information is also detailed. For example, MedlinePlus says semaglutide may raise the risk of thyroid gland tumors based on rodent studies, and the product warnings cover pancreatitis, gallbladder problems, and more. Your prescriber and pharmacist can walk through what applies to you.

Why is access hard even though the shortage is over?

Supply. FDA declared the tirzepatide shortage resolved on December 19, 2024 and the semaglutide shortage resolved on February 21, 2025. FDA still says patients may see intermittent local supply gaps. Our GLP-1 availability guide covers current stock, and the post on the Ozempic shortage tells the history.

Coverage. Plans differ on which GLP-1 drugs they cover and when. For people on Medicare drug coverage, CMS runs a temporary Medicare GLP-1 Bridge from July 1, 2026 through December 31, 2027. It covers Foundayo, Wegovy (injection or tablet), and the Zepbound KwikPen, with a $50 copay for a one-month supply. A prior authorization is required, and eligibility depends on body mass index and other conditions. People with type 2 diabetes are excluded from the Bridge, though their Part D plan may cover these drugs separately. You can check Medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE.

Price. Novo Nordisk announced a $149 per month price for the starting dose of the Wegovy pill with savings offers in December 2025. Prices and offers change, so ask the pharmacy for the current number.

Compounded versions. FDA says compounded drugs are not FDA approved and are not reviewed for safety, effectiveness, or quality before they are marketed. If a pharmacy offers one in place of the brand on your prescription, ask your prescriber and pharmacist first.

How do I find a pharmacy that has my GLP-1?

Gather the brand, strength, and form on your prescription. Call your own pharmacy and ask about the next delivery, then call others. A rejected claim and an empty shelf can look alike, so ask which one it is. Needle phones pharmacies on your behalf and reports which ones say they have your exact drug, strength, and form, and it attaches a prescription savings card when stock is found. You can start at app.findneedle.co. Please do not split doses or switch strengths on your own.

Frequently asked questions

What was the first GLP-1 medicine?

Exenatide (Byetta) was the first GLP-1 receptor agonist in the FDA records we reviewed, approved on April 28, 2005 for type 2 diabetes.

When was Ozempic approved?

FDA approved Ozempic on December 5, 2017 for adults with type 2 diabetes. Wegovy, also semaglutide, was approved on June 4, 2021 for weight management.

Is there a GLP-1 pill for weight loss?

Yes. Novo Nordisk announced FDA approval of the Wegovy pill on December 22, 2025, and FDA approved Foundayo on April 1, 2026. Both are once-daily tablets for adults.

Are Mounjaro and Zepbound GLP-1 medicines?

They contain tirzepatide, which the American Diabetes Association describes as a dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist. Mounjaro was approved in 2022 for type 2 diabetes, and Zepbound in 2023 for weight management.

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