Different drugs, same indication
Both are approved for type 2 diabetes, but they differ in their active ingredients, mechanisms, and the companies that make them.
Medication comparison
Ozempic® vs Mounjaro®
Two different medications with different mechanisms of action. Ozempic and Mounjaro are both FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes, but they contain different active ingredients and work through different biological mechanisms. Here is how they compare based on published clinical data.
- Compared
- Ozempic® · Mounjaro®
- Sources
- FDA labels, SUSTAIN and SURPASS trial programs
Ozempic®: semaglutide (GLP-1 agonist)
- GLP-1 receptor agonist
- Manufacturer: Novo Nordisk
- FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes (2017)
- Weight loss version: Wegovy
Mounjaro®: tirzepatide (dual GLP-1/GIP agonist)
- Dual GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist
- Manufacturer: Eli Lilly
- FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes (2022)
- Weight loss version: Zepbound
Side by side
Data sourced from published clinical trials and FDA-approved labeling.
| Feature | Ozempic® | Mounjaro® |
|---|---|---|
| Active ingredient | Semaglutide | Tirzepatide |
| Drug class | GLP-1 receptor agonist | Dual GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist |
| FDA-approved for | Type 2 diabetes | Type 2 diabetes |
| Weight loss version | Wegovy | Zepbound |
| Manufacturer | Novo Nordisk | Eli Lilly |
| Administration | Weekly injection | Weekly injection |
| FDA approval | 2017 | 2022 |
| Key clinical trial | SUSTAIN program | SURPASS program |
| Approx list price | ~$935/month | ~$1,023/month |
What makes them different
The fundamental difference lies in how many incretin hormones each medication targets.
Ozempic® (semaglutide): single receptor
Semaglutide mimics the GLP-1 hormone, which plays a role in regulating blood sugar and appetite. It activates GLP-1 receptors in the pancreas to increase insulin secretion when blood sugar is elevated, and acts on the brain to reduce appetite.
This single-receptor approach has been the standard mechanism for GLP-1 medications since the first drugs in this class were approved.
Mounjaro® (tirzepatide): dual receptor
Tirzepatide is a first-in-class medication that activates both GLP-1 and GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) receptors. GIP is another incretin hormone involved in blood sugar regulation and metabolism.
This dual-receptor approach targets two complementary metabolic pathways simultaneously, which researchers believe may account for the differences observed in clinical trial outcomes.
Clinical trial comparison
Both medications were studied in large clinical trial programs focused on type 2 diabetes.
Ozempic®: SUSTAIN trial program
- Focus: A1C reduction and cardiovascular outcomes in type 2 diabetes patients.
- A1C results: Significant reductions in hemoglobin A1C across multiple trials compared to placebo and active comparators.
- Weight loss: Meaningful weight reduction observed as a secondary endpoint across the SUSTAIN trial program.
- SUSTAIN-6: Demonstrated cardiovascular benefit, leading to FDA cardiovascular indication.
Mounjaro®: SURPASS trial program
- Focus: A1C reduction in type 2 diabetes patients, including head-to-head comparisons with other diabetes medications.
- A1C results: Demonstrated significant A1C reductions, with some participants achieving A1C levels below 5.7% (non-diabetic range).
- Weight loss: Substantial weight reduction observed as a secondary endpoint, prompting further study in the SURMOUNT obesity trial program.
- SURPASS-2: Compared directly to semaglutide for type 2 diabetes, showing superior A1C reduction.
Note
SURPASS-2 included a direct comparison of tirzepatide to semaglutide for type 2 diabetes outcomes, but this trial was designed for diabetes management, not weight loss. Results from diabetes trials should not be directly extrapolated to weight management.
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Questions people ask
Is Mounjaro better than Ozempic?
They work through different mechanisms and have been studied in separate clinical trial programs (with the exception of SURPASS-2, which compared them for diabetes outcomes). Your doctor can determine which medication is appropriate based on your individual health profile, medical history, and treatment goals.
Are Ozempic and Mounjaro the same type of medication?
Both are injectable medications in the incretin therapy class approved for type 2 diabetes, but they have different active ingredients and mechanisms. Ozempic contains semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist. Mounjaro contains tirzepatide, a dual GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist.
Can you take Ozempic and Mounjaro together?
Do not combine medications without your doctor's guidance. Taking two incretin-based medications simultaneously is not standard practice and could increase the risk of side effects. Always consult your healthcare provider before making any changes to your medication regimen.
Which has fewer side effects, Ozempic or Mounjaro?
Both medications share common gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation. The frequency and severity of side effects vary between individuals. Discuss the complete safety profile of each medication with your healthcare provider.
Does Dose AI work with both Ozempic and Mounjaro?
Yes. Dose AI works with any GLP-1 medication, including both Ozempic (semaglutide) and Mounjaro (tirzepatide). The app tracks your injections, symptoms, weight, nutrition, and more regardless of which medication you take.
Medical disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your healthcare provider before making any decisions about your health or medications.