Semaglutide vs Dulaglutide
Side-by-side comparison of key properties, dosing, and research.
GLP-1 / Weight Loss Agonists
SemaglutideGLP-1 / Weight Loss Agonists
Dulaglutide- Summary
- Semaglutide is an FDA-approved GLP-1 receptor agonist originally developed for type 2 diabetes that has proven remarkably effective for weight loss. Clinical trials show average 15–20% body weight reduction. It is marketed as Ozempic (diabetes) and Wegovy (weight management).
- Dulaglutide (brand name Trulicity) is a once-weekly GLP-1 receptor agonist approved by the FDA for type 2 diabetes management and cardiovascular risk reduction. It consists of two GLP-1 analog chains fused to a modified IgG4 Fc fragment, extending its half-life to approximately 5 days. While primarily a diabetes medication, it produces meaningful weight loss and has established cardiovascular outcomes data from the REWIND trial.
- Half-Life
- ~7 days
- ~5 days
- Admin Route
- SubQ, Oral
- SubQ
- Research
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- Typical Dose
- 0.25 mg → 0.5 mg → 1 mg → 1.7 mg → 2.4 mg
- 0.75 mg → 1.5 mg
- Frequency
- Once weekly, subcutaneous
- Once weekly
- Key Benefits
- Average 15–20% body weight reduction in clinical trials (STEP trials)
- Significant reduction in appetite and food cravings
- Improvement in blood sugar control and insulin sensitivity
- Reduces cardiovascular risk (SELECT trial: 20% reduction in MACE)
- May reduce risk of kidney disease
- Improves metabolic markers (cholesterol, blood pressure)
- FDA-approved — extensively studied with robust safety data
- Weekly dosing convenience
- FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes
- Once-weekly subcutaneous dosing via auto-injector pen
- Reduces HbA1c by approximately 1.1–1.6%
- Modest weight loss of 1.5–3 kg at approved doses
- Demonstrated cardiovascular risk reduction (REWIND trial)
- Established long-term safety profile
- Renal protective effects in CKD
- Side Effects
- Nausea (most common, especially during titration)
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Abdominal discomfort
- +4 more
- Nausea (most common, typically transient)
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Decreased appetite
- +3 more
- Stacks With
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