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.
Semaglutide
Tirzepatide
Different molecules, both for type 2 diabetes. Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) generally produces more weight loss and faster A1c reduction than semaglutide (Ozempic), per the head-to-head SURPASS-2 trial. Side-effect frequency is similar; tolerability varies individually.
Molecule
OzempicSemaglutide
MounjaroTirzepatide
Receptor(s)
OzempicGLP-1
MounjaroGIP + GLP-1 (dual agonist)
Manufacturer
OzempicNovo Nordisk
MounjaroEli Lilly
FDA approval
OzempicDecember 2017
MounjaroMay 2022
Indication
OzempicType 2 diabetes (with later cardiovascular and CKD indications)
MounjaroType 2 diabetes (with HFpEF and OSA indications added 2024)
Delivery
OzempicSubcutaneous injection, once weekly
MounjaroSubcutaneous injection, once weekly
Dose ceiling
Ozempic2.0 mg weekly
Mounjaro15 mg weekly
Titration
Ozempic4 weeks per step
Mounjaro4 weeks per step
Typical loss
Ozempic~6% body weight at 6–12 months in T2D patients; ~10–13% in non-diabetic off-label use at higher doses
Mounjaro~9–13% body weight at 1 year in T2D patients (SURPASS), ~22% off-label in non-diabetics at 15 mg
Cash list
Ozempic$950–$1,350
Mounjaro$1,070–$1,180 list
On patent until
Ozempic2031 (US composition of matter)
Mounjaro2036 (US composition of matter; formulation patents to ~2039)