Every trial stage, compared
Each column is a different stage of testing, and the numbers are not interchangeable. Phase 1 trials are small and short, phase 2 trials find the dose, and phase 3 trials are the large, long ones an approval rests on. Read across a row to see how one medication held up as testing grew; compare down a column only within the same stage.
This is education, not a recommendation
Which of these fits you, if any, depends on your health history, your insurance, and your prescriber's judgment. Trial percentages are averages from different trials, at different stages, with different lengths and populations, so treat them as a rough map, not a ranking. Unless a result says "if everyone stayed on it", it counts everyone who started the drug, including people who stopped, which is how the journals report it; company headlines often use the stayed-on figure, which runs 2 to 3 points higher. Bring this page to your appointment if it helps the conversation; do not use it in place of one.
Sources
References
- Wegovy (semaglutide) Prescribing Information. Novo Nordisk. Current label at DailyMed and the FDA label for Wegovy tablets. Indications including cardiovascular risk reduction and MASH, and the oral tablet approval.
- Wegovy HD (semaglutide 7.2 mg) approval. Novo Nordisk, 19 March 2026. Company announcement. The approval date and the step-up indication for people already on 2.4 mg.
- Zepbound (tirzepatide) Prescribing Information. Eli Lilly. FDA label. The weight-management and obstructive sleep apnea indications.
- Mounjaro cardiovascular approval, 28 August 2026. Healio report. The new heart attack, stroke and cardiovascular death indication from SURPASS-CVOT.
- Ozempic (semaglutide) injection Prescribing Information. Novo Nordisk. Current label. The type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular, and chronic kidney disease indications.
- Rybelsus and Ozempic (oral semaglutide) tablets Prescribing Information. Novo Nordisk. Current label at DailyMed. The one label now covering both names.
- Foundayo (orforglipron) approval. Eli Lilly, 1 April 2026. Company announcement. The approval date, the weight-management indication, and the absence of food, water and timing restrictions.
- CagriSema FDA submission. Novo Nordisk, 18 December 2025. Company announcement, and the expected decision timing in the 21 September 2026 update.
- Retatrutide filing plans. Eli Lilly, 23 July 2026. Company announcement. The plan to submit to the FDA in the first quarter of 2027.
- ASHP Drug Shortages Database: Exenatide. ashp.org. Documentation of the Byetta and Bydureon discontinuations.
Trial results, every stage