Are there generic GLP-1 drugs?

In this article:

• The current landscape of generic GLP-1s
• Compounded GLP-1s vs. generics
• The future of GLP-1 generics
• The bottom line

In this article

• The current landscape of generic GLP-1s
• Compounded GLP-1s vs. generics
• The future of GLP-1 generics
• The bottom line

GLP-1 receptor agonists (also known as glucagon-like peptide-1 agonists) are a popular class of medications used in conjunction with a reduced-calorie diet and exercise to help manage Type 2 diabetes and support weight loss in individuals with obesity. Drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy have become household names, but they can come with a high price tag. That leaves many people wondering: Are there generic GLP-1 drugs?

The good news is that two generic GLP-1 medications, exenatide and liraglutide, are FDA-approved and available in the U.S. However, most GLP-1 drugs, including Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro, don’t yet have generic alternatives.

The current landscape of generic GLP-1s

The million-dollar question: Is there a generic Ozempic? Not yet. The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved a generic formulation of semaglutide. 

There are no FDA-approved generics for Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy or Rybelsus, brand-name drugs that also contain semaglutide. 

Mounjaro and Zepbound, GIP/GLP-1 agonists made by Eli Lilly and containing the active ingredient tripeptide, do not yet have FDA-approved generic versions. 

There are, however, two GLP-1s that have generics available:

• Exenatide (made by Amneal Pharmaceuticals) is a generic for Byetta (AstraZeneca makes Byetta)
• Two brand-name drugs contain liraglutide, both made by Novo Nordisk—Saxenda for weight management, and Victoza for Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular risk reduction. Both versions now have a generic, so there is a liraglutide known as generic Saxenda, and another liraglutide known as generic Victoza.

Generic drugs bring more competition into the marketplace, resulting in significant cost savings for patients. 

For a brand-name drug to be approved, it must undergo extensive clinical trials to establish its safety and effectiveness. For a generic drug to be approved, drug manufacturers must submit an Abbreviated New Drug Application (ANDA) to the FDA. Since the brand-name drug has already been proven to be safe and effective, the generic drug must demonstrate that it is bioequivalent to the brand-name drug. For example, it must have the same active ingredient, same strength(s), same dosage form (i.e., oral tablet or injection), and the same uses—although inactive ingredients may vary. 

Note that all GLP-1s, except Byetta (exenatide), have a black box warning—the most serious warning required by the FDA. This warning is based on a risk of thyroid C-cell tumors observed in animal studies, although it is not known if this applies to humans. Because of this risk, people with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or those who have Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome Type 2 (MEN 2) should not use these GLP-1 medications. 

Exenatide injection 

Byetta (exenatide) is a brand-name injectable drug. It is injected subcutaneously (under the skin) twice a day for Type 2 diabetes. 

Exenatide is a generic drug approved by the FDA in November 2024. Like Byetta, it is injected twice daily to improve blood sugar control in adults with Type 2 diabetes. 

Common side effects of exenatide (as well as brand-name Byetta) include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Upset stomach
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
• Feeling jittery
• Dizziness
• Headache 
• Weakness 

Liraglutide injection

Victoza (liraglutide) is a brand-name injectable drug. It is injected subcutaneously once a day for Type 2 diabetes (for patients age 10 and older). It is also FDA-approved to lower the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (cardiovascular death, heart attack, and stroke) in adults with Type 2 diabetes and heart disease. A generic version of Victoza, liraglutide, was approved by the FDA in December 2024. 

Saxenda also contains the active ingredient liraglutide. It is FDA-approved for weight loss and long-term weight management in adults and adolescents 12 years and older with obesity, as well as adults with overweight who have at least one weight-related health condition. The FDA approved a generic version of Saxenda, also known as liraglutide, in August 2025.

*Note: Both generic products contain the same active ingredient, liraglutide, but are formulated and labeled to be substituted for either Victoza or Saxenda. They are not considered to be interchangeable. 

Common side effects of liraglutide (as well as brand-name Victoza and Saxenda) include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Upset stomach
• Diarrhea or constipation 
• Decreased appetite

Compounded GLP-1s vs. generics

The reason many people ask if there is a generic Ozempic (and other similar drugs) is likely due to previous advertisements for compounded semaglutide and tirzepatide. The FDA allows compounding drugs when there is a shortage. While the compounded versions may be less expensive, though, they are not approved by the FDA. However, now that these shortages have been resolved, compounded versions are no longer legally permitted to be made. 

The future of GLP-1 generics

The popularity of GLP-1s is expected to continue rising, with experts predicting at least 20% annual growth. The global GLP-1 market is projected to reach approximately $133 billion by 2030. It may take some time until we see generic semaglutide (Ozempic, Rybelsus, Wegovy) or generic tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound)—likely in the early 2030s. 

The bottom line

GLP-1s are very popular, with many healthcare professionals prescribing them to patients for the treatment of Type 2 diabetes, weight loss, and other conditions. Generic drugs can save patients significant amounts of money. Currently, the only generic GLP-1s are exenatide and liraglutide. Consult your healthcare provider for more information and medical advice on GLP-1s.