semaglutide vs Dulaglutide
updated
semaglutide (tier S) vs dulaglutide (tier S): what each is, half-life and source counts side by side.
the difference
checked
in SUSTAIN 7, 1,201 adults with type 2 diabetes taking metformin were randomized to semaglutide or dulaglutide at two dose levels each, and after 40 weeks semaglutide lowered HbA1c and body weight more at both levels.
dulaglutide is FDA-approved as Trulicity for blood-sugar control in type 2 diabetes, in adults and children 10 and older, and to lower cardiovascular risk in adults with type 2 diabetes and established cardiovascular disease or multiple cardiovascular risk factors; weight management is not one of its labeled uses.
semaglutide is FDA-approved as Ozempic and Rybelsus for type 2 diabetes, including lowering cardiovascular risk in adults with established cardiovascular disease (Ozempic injection) or at high risk (Rybelsus tablets), and as Wegovy for long-term weight reduction and to lower cardiovascular risk in adults with established cardiovascular disease and obesity or overweight.
- Ozempic injection prescribing information, DailyMed (revised 5/2026)
- Rybelsus and Ozempic tablets prescribing information, DailyMed (revised 1/2026)
- Wegovy prescribing information, DailyMed (revised 6/2026)
semaglutide · tier S
A GLP-1 receptor agonist with current US injection and oral products for distinct labeled uses.
tier rationale
The S tier reflects large randomized trials showing weight-loss, cardiovascular, and kidney benefits in the studied populations, plus positive biopsy outcomes in a planned phase 3 liver-disease interim analysis.
Dulaglutide · tier S
Dulaglutide (TRULICITY) is an FDA-approved once-weekly injectable for type 2 diabetes, with phase 3 AWARD trials and REWIND, a 9,901-person cardiovascular outcomes trial. Its weight effect is modest and not a labeled use, and no obesity-indication trial was found.
tier rationale
S fits an approved drug used for its approved purposes. TRULICITY has been FDA-approved since 2014 with a phase 3 program, a 9,901-person cardiovascular outcomes trial over a median 5.4 years and a pediatric indication. The grade covers glycemic control and cardiovascular risk reduction in the labeled populations, not weight loss, which is not a labeled indication and has no obesity-indication trial behind it.
at a glance
| semaglutide | Dulaglutide | |
|---|---|---|
| tier | S | S |
| category | weight loss | weight loss |
| sources | 16 | 9 |
| claims evaluated | n/a | 1 |
| half-life | ~1 week | Elimination half-life about 5 days |
| dosing data | yes | yes |
reptides grades the research record and cites the literature behind every call. research reference only; not medical advice.