tirzepatide vs liraglutide
updated
tirzepatide (tier S) vs liraglutide (tier S): what each is, half-life and source counts side by side.
the difference
checked
a PubMed search and a ClinicalTrials.gov search on October 24, 2026 found one randomized study with tirzepatide and liraglutide arms, a six-week phase 1 study of eating behavior in 114 adults without diabetes (NCT04311411), and its primary outcome compared tirzepatide with placebo.
- PubMed search: randomized trials naming tirzepatide and liraglutide (October 24, 2026)
- ClinicalTrials.gov search: tirzepatide and liraglutide (October 24, 2026)
- Martin CK et al. Nat Med 2025 (PMID 40555748)
- ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04311411
tirzepatide is FDA-approved as Mounjaro for type 2 diabetes, including lowering cardiovascular risk in adults at high risk, and as Zepbound for long-term weight reduction and for obstructive sleep apnea in adults with obesity.
- Mounjaro prescribing information, DailyMed (revised 8/2026)
- Zepbound prescribing information, DailyMed (revised 8/2026)
liraglutide is FDA-approved as Victoza for type 2 diabetes, including lowering cardiovascular risk in adults with established cardiovascular disease, and as Saxenda for long-term weight reduction.
- Victoza prescribing information, DailyMed (revised 10/2025)
- Saxenda prescribing information, DailyMed (revised 6/2026)
tirzepatide · tier S
A dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist with distinct Zepbound and Mounjaro labels.
tier rationale
Tirzepatide is in S tier because large randomized trials have shown weight loss, improved blood-sugar control and reduced sleep-apnea severity. Zepbound and Mounjaro have US approvals for these uses.
liraglutide · tier S
A once-daily GLP-1 receptor agonist sold under separate Saxenda and Victoza labels.
tier rationale
S reflects approved uses, the 3,731-person SCALE weight-management trial, and the 9,340-person LEADER cardiovascular-outcomes trial. Saxenda and Victoza use different target exposures and evidence packages.
at a glance
| tirzepatide | liraglutide | |
|---|---|---|
| tier | S | S |
| category | weight loss | weight loss |
| sources | 20 | 8 |
| claims evaluated | n/a | n/a |
| half-life | ~5 days | ~13 hours |
| dosing data | yes | yes |
reptides grades the research record and cites the literature behind every call. research reference only; not medical advice.