A medical expert has issued a warning regarding the potential risks associated with a new diabetes drug that could compete with medications like Ozempic.
In recent months, this drug and others in its class have become central to mainstream discussions, as numerous celebrities who have lost weight are suspected of using them.
Ozempic has received FDA approval for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, while other similar drugs, such as semaglutide (marketed as Wegovy) and liraglutide (known as Saxenda), have been approved for weight-loss purposes.
These medications belong to the GLP-1 receptor agonist class, which plays a role in regulating blood sugar levels and controlling appetite.
Administered through weekly injections, these drugs can lead to some undesirable side effects.
A new potential breakthrough has emerged in the form of a weight loss pill.
Pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly is currently conducting trials on Orforglipron, a GLP-1 receptor agonist tablet, designed to be taken orally once a day.
The outcomes from these clinical trials have been promising.
During a 40-week study, Orforglipron was shown to reduce individuals’ A1C—a crucial blood sugar marker—by up to 1.6 percent.
Among those on the highest dosage of 36 milligrams, two-thirds achieved blood sugar levels below the diabetes threshold.
Furthermore, the study found that participants on the highest dose experienced an average weight loss of eight percent, equating to approximately 16 pounds.
While still under trial, Lilly is seeking FDA approval to market the pill for weight loss later this year, with plans for diabetes approval by 2026.
Dr. Suzanne Wylie, a GP and medical adviser for IQdoctor, has observed an increasing interest in GLP-1 agonists like Ozempic and Mounjaro (Tirzepatide).
Despite acknowledging the significant potential of Orforglipron, Dr. Wylie highlighted two major concerns that need attention.
Although a pill form is undeniably more accessible and appealing, especially for those with needle phobia, it also poses certain risks.
“If the medication becomes widely known and popular, particularly for cosmetic weight loss rather than medical need, it could drive demand on the black market – much as we’ve seen with semaglutide,” Wylie told UNILAD.
She further explained, “Pills are typically easier to counterfeit than injectable medications, which poses a real danger.
“Unregulated versions might contain incorrect dosages or harmful substances, and patients could be lulled into a false sense of security because it’s ‘just a pill.'”
In addition, Orforglipron may still have similar side effects to other GLP-1 agonists. Current users of semaglutide hoping for a side-effect-free daily pill may be disappointed.
“While the appeal of a daily pill over a weekly injection is obvious, we mustn’t forget that Orforglipron belongs to the same drug class as Ozempic and Mounjaro,” Dr. Wylie stated.
“It’s likely to carry many of the same risks and side effects. Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and constipation are common issues with GLP-1 agonists.”
While Dr. Wylie sees potential in Orforglipron as a ‘game changer,’ she emphasizes the importance of awaiting complete trial data before making any decisions.
“Safety, long-term effects, and appropriate prescribing must remain our top priorities – particularly when medications designed for chronic conditions are increasingly sought after for short-term or aesthetic purposes.”