Both are GLP-1 receptor agonists. Beyond that they differ in molecule, FDA indication, dose ceiling, and — most importantly to most people reading this — what the scale actually does over the long run.
Tirzepatide
Semaglutide
Tirzepatide vs. semaglutide for type 2 diabetes. The head-to-head SURPASS-2 trial showed superior A1c reduction and weight loss for tirzepatide. The practical question is usually coverage and side-effect tolerability rather than choosing the 'better' drug — both are clinically effective.
Molecule
MounjaroTirzepatide
OzempicSemaglutide
Receptor(s)
MounjaroGIP + GLP-1 (dual agonist)
OzempicGLP-1
Manufacturer
MounjaroEli Lilly
OzempicNovo Nordisk
FDA approval
MounjaroMay 2022
OzempicDecember 2017
Indication
MounjaroType 2 diabetes (with HFpEF and OSA indications added 2024)
OzempicType 2 diabetes (with later cardiovascular and CKD indications)
Delivery
MounjaroSubcutaneous injection, once weekly
OzempicSubcutaneous injection, once weekly
Dose ceiling
Mounjaro15 mg weekly
Ozempic2.0 mg weekly
Titration
Mounjaro4 weeks per step
Ozempic4 weeks per step
Typical loss
Mounjaro~9–13% body weight at 1 year in T2D patients (SURPASS), ~22% off-label in non-diabetics at 15 mg
Ozempic~6% body weight at 6–12 months in T2D patients; ~10–13% in non-diabetic off-label use at higher doses
Cash list
Mounjaro$1,070–$1,180 list
Ozempic$950–$1,350
On patent until
Mounjaro2036 (US composition of matter; formulation patents to ~2039)
Ozempic2031 (US composition of matter)