A new weight loss medication, currently being tested as a daily pill, shows potential to compete with Ozempic and has delivered remarkable outcomes.
Reports indicate that one in eight Americans have tried GLP-1 medications like Ozempic, which are primarily used for type 2 diabetes management. However, some users have reported experiencing unpleasant side effects.
While Ozempic is not FDA-approved for weight loss, there are other medications with GLP-1 receptor agonists, such as semaglutide (Wegovy) and liraglutide (Saxenda), that are designed for this purpose.
Now, pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly may have achieved a significant advancement in diabetes and weight loss treatment through an oral pill.
Named orforglipron, this pill is taken once daily.
Like other medications similar to Ozempic, the pill belongs to the GLP-1 receptor family, which assists in regulating blood sugar and appetite.
Currently, there is a GLP-1 pill available called Rybelsus, but it has stringent food-timing requirements and can cause significant nausea.
According to Very Well Health, Orforglipron does not require food or even water when taken.
This makes it a more convenient option than weekly injections.
The results from clinical trials have been particularly impressive, showing promising outcomes.
During a 40-week study, Orforglipron reduced A1C levels—a crucial blood sugar indicator—by up to 1.6 percent.
Remarkably, two-thirds of participants taking the highest dose of 36 milligrams achieved blood sugar levels below the diabetes threshold.
This was accomplished by simply taking a daily pill.
Researchers also assessed weight loss, finding that participants lost an average of eight percent of their body weight, equating to approximately 16 pounds, at the highest dose.
The company noted that participants had not yet reached a weight loss plateau by the end of the study, suggesting that further weight loss might have been achieved if the trial had continued.
Orforglipron does come with a few side effects, which are generally mild and typical for GLP-1 medications, such as stomach discomfort.
Crucially, it does not cause liver problems—a significant consideration since Pfizer recently discontinued their GLP-1 pill due to potential liver injuries.
What’s the next step?
Eli Lilly plans to seek FDA approval to market Orforglipron for weight loss by the end of this year, with a target for diabetes approval by 2026.
Could this be the breakthrough drug to surpass Ozempic and other injectable treatments on the market? The prospects are promising…