Compare today's and tomorrow's weight-loss medications side-by-side in seconds.
Choose 2 or 3 medications to compare
One click to load a side-by-side view
Each takes a different approach to obesity medicine. All are investigational — none are FDA-approved yet.
Triple agonist targeting GLP-1, GIP, and glucagon. Phase 2 showed ~24% average weight loss — the highest of any drug in trials.
Read AnalysisThe first true oral GLP-1 pill — no injection, no food timing restrictions. ~15% weight loss in Phase 2 at 36 weeks.
Read AnalysisSemaglutide + amylin combination. Phase 3 REDEFINE showed 22.7% average weight loss over 68 weeks.
Read AnalysisOnce-monthly injection — not weekly. Bispecific antibody showing ~20% weight loss in Phase 2 with a major adherence advantage.
Read AnalysisOral GLP-1 + amylin in a single molecule. Phase 1 showed a striking early signal — 13% in just 12 weeks.
Read AnalysisSide-by-side comparison of mechanism, efficacy, dosing, and timeline for all 7 medications — approved and pipeline.
Full Comparison Hub| Drug | Developer | Mechanism | Form | Avg Weight Loss | Status | Available |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wegovy | Novo Nordisk | GLP-1 | Weekly inj. | ~15% | Approved 2021 | Now |
| Zepbound | Eli Lilly | GLP-1 + GIP | Weekly inj. | ~20–22% | Approved 2023 | Now |
| CagriSema | Novo Nordisk | GLP-1 + Amylin | Weekly inj. | 22.7% | Phase 3 | 2026–2027 |
| Orforglipron | Eli Lilly | GLP-1 (oral) | Daily pill | ~15% | Phase 3 | 2026–2027 |
| Retatrutide | Eli Lilly | GLP-1+GIP+GCG | Weekly inj. | ~24% | Phase 3 | 2027–2028 |
| MariTide | Amgen | GLP-1/GIP block | Monthly inj. | ~20% | Phase 3 | 2027–2028 |
| Amycretin | Novo Nordisk | GLP-1+Amylin oral | Daily pill | ~13% (12wk) | Phase 2 | 2029–2030 |
Estimated approval windows based on current Phase 3 timelines. Drug development timelines frequently shift.
The current gold standard. Semaglutide and tirzepatide — available now through telehealth in most states.
CagriSema (22.7% weight loss) and Orforglipron (oral GLP-1 pill) — the most likely next approvals.
Retatrutide's 24% Phase 2 results and MariTide's monthly dosing could both reshape the market.
Earliest-stage drug on this list. Oral dual GLP-1 + amylin — remarkable early signal but years from approval.
What are the next GLP-1 drugs in development?
The leading pipeline drugs are Retatrutide (Phase 3, ~24% weight loss), Orforglipron (Phase 3, oral pill), CagriSema (Phase 3, 22.7% weight loss), MariTide (Phase 3, monthly injection), and Amycretin (Phase 2, oral pill).
Which future drug will be approved first?
CagriSema and Orforglipron are furthest along in Phase 3 and could reach FDA approval as early as 2026–2027. Retatrutide and MariTide may follow in 2027–2028. Amycretin is unlikely before 2029–2030.
Are any of these drugs available now?
No. All pipeline drugs are investigational and cannot be legally purchased or prescribed in the US. Currently available options with strong evidence include semaglutide (Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Zepbound).
Should I wait for a future drug or start treatment now?
The honest answer for most people: don't wait. FDA-approved tirzepatide (Zepbound) already achieves 20–22% average weight loss — within a few points of the leading pipeline candidates. Starting now means two or more years of health benefits you'd otherwise miss. You can always reassess when new drugs reach approval.
FDA-approved GLP-1 medications achieving 15–22% weight loss are available through licensed telehealth providers in most states — often without insurance requirements.
Take Quiz — FreeThis content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. All pipeline drugs listed are investigational and not FDA-approved unless otherwise noted. Clinical data cited reflects published trial results as of May 2026. Consult a licensed healthcare provider before making treatment decisions. DawaMed may receive compensation through affiliate partnerships. Affiliate disclosure · Medical disclaimer