GLP-1 & metabolic
Semaglutide
A GLP-1 receptor agonist FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes (Ozempic/Rybelsus) and chronic weight management and cardiovascular risk reduction (Wegovy).
FDA-approvedEvidence: Established
Last reviewed (yesterday)Independent · Evidence-first · No products sold
Understand peptides and GLP-1 treatments before you decide.
Peptides Clarified is an independent research and comparison platform. We separate FDA-approved from compounded and investigational products, cite every source, and disclose every commercial relationship — without selling medication or giving personalized advice.
Selected treatment profiles
Plain-language summaries with regulatory status, evidence level, and sources.
- GLP-1 & metabolic
Tirzepatide
A dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist given by weekly injection, FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes (Mounjaro) and chronic weight management and obstructive sleep apnea with obesity (Zepbound).
FDA-approvedEvidence: EstablishedLast reviewed (yesterday) - GLP-1 & metabolic
Liraglutide
A once-daily injectable GLP-1 receptor agonist FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes (Victoza) and chronic weight management (Saxenda), including in adolescents 12 and older.
FDA-approvedEvidence: EstablishedLast reviewed (yesterday) - GLP-1 & metabolic
Compounded semaglutide
Semaglutide prepared by compounding pharmacies rather than the FDA-approved manufacturer. The molecule may be the same, but these specific products are not FDA-reviewed or approved.
Compounded (not FDA-approved)Evidence: InsufficientLast reviewed (yesterday) - GLP-1 & metabolic
Dulaglutide
A once-weekly injectable GLP-1 receptor agonist FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes and to reduce cardiovascular events in adults with diabetes.
FDA-approvedEvidence: EstablishedLast reviewed (yesterday) - Longevity-adjacent
Metformin
A long-established oral medication FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes. It is studied off-label for aging-related outcomes but is not FDA-approved for longevity.
Approved (other use)Evidence: LimitedLast reviewed (yesterday)
Useful comparisons
Consistent, sourced, side-by-side — never a claim that one option is medically “best.”
Semaglutide vs. Tirzepatide
Both are FDA-approved injectable incretin medications for type 2 diabetes and chronic weight management. Tirzepatide acts on two receptors (GIP and GLP-1); semaglutide acts on one (GLP-1). We do not state which is medically "best" — that depends on an individual's clinical picture.
Branded (FDA-approved) vs. Compounded Semaglutide
Branded semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy, Rybelsus) is FDA-approved and reviewed for safety, effectiveness, and quality. Compounded semaglutide is prepared by pharmacies and is NOT FDA-approved or reviewed. This is the single most important distinction for anyone considering a telehealth GLP-1 program.
Semaglutide vs. Liraglutide
Both are FDA-approved GLP-1 receptor agonists. The main practical differences are dosing frequency (weekly vs. daily) and that liraglutide (Saxenda) has an FDA weight-management indication for adolescents 12 and older.
Metformin vs. Rapamycin for longevity interest
Both are FDA-approved for other uses and attract off-label longevity interest. Neither is FDA-approved for aging. Metformin has a large trial (TAME) designed to test aging-related outcomes; rapamycin's longevity evidence is largely from animals.
What our labels mean
We never collapse regulatory categories into a vague “available.” Full definitions live on our methodology page.
Regulatory status
- FDA-approvedApproved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for one or more specific uses, with a defined label.
- Approved (other use)FDA-approved for a different indication than the one discussed here. Use for the indication described may be off-label.
- InvestigationalUnder study in clinical research and not approved by the FDA for general use. May be available only through trials.
- Compounded (not FDA-approved)Prepared by a compounding pharmacy for an individual patient. Compounded drugs are NOT FDA-approved and are not reviewed by the FDA for safety, effectiveness, or quality before marketing.
- Not FDA-approvedNot approved by the FDA for human use for this purpose. May be sold only as a research chemical or marketed without approval.
- Status unclearWe could not verify a clear, current U.S. regulatory status from authoritative sources. Treat with added caution.
Evidence level
- EstablishedSupported by multiple well-conducted randomized trials and/or systematic reviews with consistent results.
- ModerateSupported by some randomized or large observational studies, but with meaningful gaps or mixed findings.
- LimitedSupported mainly by small studies, early-phase trials, or indirect evidence. Conclusions are tentative.
- Preclinical onlyEvidence comes from laboratory or animal studies. Effects in humans are unproven.
- InsufficientThere is not enough credible human evidence to draw a conclusion for the use described.
- Not yet assessedWe have not yet completed an evidence assessment for this record.
Independent by design
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Sourced and dated
Every published treatment and provider page shows its sources and a review date. We prefer FDA and other primary sources, and we don't publish prices from memory.
Not a pharmacy or clinic
We sell no medication, run no intake forms, and give no personalized advice. We help you ask a licensed clinician better questions.