The GLP-1 Medication Timeline: 2005 to 2026

GLP-1 medications didn't arrive all at once, the class has been developing for over two decades, with each new approval building on what came before. This timeline traces the major milestones from the first-ever GLP-1 approval to the most recent regulatory changes.

2005, Byetta (exenatide) approved. The first-ever FDA-approved GLP-1 receptor agonist, dosed twice daily.

2010, Victoza (liraglutide) approved. First once-daily GLP-1 medication for type 2 diabetes.

2012, Bydureon (exenatide, extended-release) approved. First once-weekly GLP-1 medication, improving on Byetta's twice-daily dosing.

2014, Trulicity (dulaglutide) approved. A second once-weekly GLP-1 option enters the market.

2014, Saxenda (liraglutide) approved for weight management. First liraglutide-based medication approved specifically for chronic weight management, not diabetes.

2016, Adlyxin (lixisenatide) approved. A once-daily, mealtime-dosed GLP-1, a different dosing pattern from weekly medications.

2017, Ozempic (semaglutide) approved. Begins semaglutide's rise to become the most widely recognized GLP-1 brand.

2019, Rybelsus approved. First-ever oral (tablet) GLP-1 medication, using semaglutide.

2021, Wegovy (semaglutide) approved for weight management. Backed by the STEP trial program's 14.9% average weight loss result.

2022, Mounjaro (tirzepatide) approved. First dual GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist, a new mechanism class.

2023, Zepbound (tirzepatide) approved for weight management. Backed by SURMOUNT-1's 20.9% average weight loss result.

2023, SELECT trial results published. Established semaglutide's cardiovascular risk reduction benefit independent of diabetes status.

October 2024, Byetta and Bydureon BCise discontinued. AstraZeneca discontinues both exenatide brands.

December 2024, Generic liraglutide approved. First generic version of Victoza's active ingredient becomes available.

2025, Mounjaro label updated for heart failure. Added cardiovascular risk reduction indication for adults with HFpEF, based on the SUMMIT trial.

December 2025, Wegovy oral tablet approved. First oral GLP-1 approved specifically for weight management, not just diabetes.

December 2025, CagriSema NDA filed. Novo Nordisk submits its cagrilintide/semaglutide combination for FDA review.

January 2026, FDA requests removal of suicidal ideation warning. Following a comprehensive review of over 107,000 patients finding no increased risk.

May 2026, Rybelsus discontinued, replaced by new Ozempic tablet. A higher-bioavailability oral semaglutide formulation launches under the Ozempic brand.

July 2026, Medicare GLP-1 Bridge Program begins. First-ever Medicare coverage for GLP-1 medications used specifically for weight loss.

Late 2026 (expected), Retatrutide NDA filing anticipated. Eli Lilly's triple agonist moves toward potential 2027-2028 approval.

Why This History Matters

Understanding this timeline helps explain patterns that seem confusing in isolation, why Rybelsus disappeared and became an Ozempic tablet, why weekly dosing became standard, and why the field has moved from single-target GLP-1 medications toward dual and triple agonists like tirzepatide and retatrutide. Each step reflects real clinical evidence building on the step before it.

What's Likely Next

Based on current trial programs covered elsewhere in this library, the next major milestones are likely retatrutide's NDA filing and FDA review, expected through 2026 and 2027, and CagriSema's FDA decision following its December 2025 submission. This page will be updated as those milestones occur.

References

• FDA prescribing information and approval history for each listed medication
• Individual medication and clinical trial pages linked throughout this knowledge base

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About DietApp.com

DietApp.com combines evidence-based GLP-1 medication education with practical treatment tracking tools. This timeline is for general informational purposes and is not medical advice.