I’m Hearing “GLP-1/GIP” Now. Is That a New Medication?
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No. “GLP-1/GIP” is not a new medication. It describes a type of medicine that works on two hormone pathways instead of one. You probably have been hearing about this medication for a long time, just under a different name.
You are seeing this term more often because companies and regulators are being more precise about how these medicines are described.
At GLP Winner, we compare providers and pricing across these categories. So clear naming matters, and we want to be sure you’re understanding the headlines you’re seeing.
What Is GLP-1?
GLP-1 stands for glucagon-like peptide-1. It is a natural hormone your body makes after you eat (Cleveland Clinic).
GLP-1 helps control blood sugar and slow digestion (Cleveland Clinic).
Some medications copy this hormone’s action. These are called GLP-1 receptor agonists. That means they activate the GLP-1 receptor in your body (Ozempic Prescribing Information).
For example:
- Ozempic is an FDA-approved medicine that contains semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist (Ozempic Prescribing Information).
- Wegovy contains semaglutide and is FDA-approved for chronic weight management in certain adults (Wegovy Prescribing Information).
At GLP Winner and in the news, you will often see these listed under “GLP-1” medications when comparing telehealth providers and pricing.
What this means for you: GLP-1 describes how the medicine works, not a specific brand.
What Is GIP?
GIP stands for glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide. It is another hormone your body makes after eating (Mounjaro Prescribing Information).
GIP plays a role in blood sugar regulation.
Some medicines activate both GLP-1 and GIP receptors. These are called dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonists.
For example:
- Mounjaro is an FDA-approved medicine that contains tirzepatide, a dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist.
- Zepbound also contains tirzepatide and is FDA-approved for chronic weight management in certain adults (Zepbound Prescribing Information).
When we say “GLP-1/GIP,” we are referring to this dual-mechanism category.
What this means for you: GLP-1/GIP is a description of how the medicine works on two pathways.
Why Are We Seeing “GLP-1/GIP” More Often?
The legal and regulatory environment has become stricter.
The FDA has stated that companies cannot market non-FDA-approved compounded GLP-1 products as “generic,” “the same as,” or made with “the same active ingredient” as FDA-approved drugs (FDA).
The FDA has announced plans to take action against certain non-FDA-approved GLP-1 drugs that are improperly marketed (FDA).
That means language matters, not only for legal reasons but also so you understand what you’re reading about.
Mechanism-based terms like the following are clearer and more legally precise:
- GLP-1 receptor agonist
- Dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist
- Incretin-based medicines
At GLP Winner, we follow this structure:
- Brand first when discussing FDA-approved products
- Mechanism language when comparing categories
- Clear disclosure when discussing compounded products
What this means for you: You are seeing cleaner wording. The medications have not suddenly changed.
Is “GLP-1/GIP” a Different Drug Than GLP-1?
It is different in mechanism.
A GLP-1 receptor agonist works on one hormone receptor (Ozempic Prescribing Information).
A dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist works on two receptors (Mounjaro Prescribing Information).
But it is not a brand name. It is a category description.
Compounded GLP-1 and compounded GLP-1/GIP products are customized formulations prepared by a pharmacy. They are not FDA-approved finished drugs (FDA).
The FDA has warned that some products sold as semaglutide may contain salt forms such as semaglutide sodium or semaglutide acetate, which are different active ingredients than those used in approved drugs (FDA).
What this means for you: “GLP-1/GIP” signals a dual-mechanism category, not a surprise launch of a new medication out there.
What This Means in 2026
The GLP-1 market is evolving.
There are patent disputes and enforcement updates (FDA).
Clear naming protects both companies and patients.
Mechanism-based language like GLP-1 and GLP-1/GIP avoids implying ingredient equivalence.
At GLP Winner, precision helps you compare approval status, pricing, and provider policies clearly.
Final Takeaway
“GLP-1/GIP” is not a new medication. It is a more precise way to describe a category of drugs that work on two hormone pathways instead of one. You are seeing this term more often because regulators and companies are being stricter about how these medicines are described, especially as legal scrutiny increases. The drugs themselves have not suddenly changed. What has changed is the language. Clear, mechanism-based naming helps patients understand what they are comparing, protects against misleading claims, and keeps approval status and ingredient differences transparent.
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