Specialties & Diseases > Family Medicine

A more effective oral version of Ozempic is coming sooner than you think

By MDLinx staff

Published April 22, 2025

Key Takeaways

Industry Buzz

This is a drug that showed 60% weight loss at 40 weeks—and the weight loss was ongoing. This was in diabetic patients, which tend to lose less weight than non-diabetic patients. For those who are overweight and are worried about injecting themselves, this is a nice solution." — Terry Simpson, MD, surgeon and medical expert

Eli Lilly has announced promising phase 3 trial results for a new oral medication that could rival Ozempic in the fight against weight gain.

The drug, called Orforglipron, is an oral form of a GLP-1 receptor agonist, the same class of medication used in Ozempic. While Ozempic has made waves for its weight loss potential, Orforglipron may be the next big thing—offering similar benefits in an easier-to-swallow pill.

Now, don’t get too excited just yet. This isn’t the first oral GLP-1 treatment. Ozempic already has an oral sibling: Rybelsus, which contains semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic. However, Rybelsus has largely been prescribed for managing A1C levels in diabetics, rather than for weight loss.

Why? While it does its job in controlling blood sugar, it doesn't have the same impact on shedding pounds as its injectable counterpart. The oral version simply didn’t cut it for weight loss.

What sets Orforglipron apart?

So, what makes Orforglipron different? Clinical results suggest it could help patients lose an average of 16 pounds while also lowering A1C by up to 1.6%.

That’s a pretty significant win in the weight loss and diabetes management arenas. Eli Lilly hopes to secure FDA approval by the end of this year, with broader approval for diabetes patients expected by 2026.

As with all medications, Orforglipron isn't without side effects. Patients can expect to experience some common issues like nausea, diarrhea, and heartburn.

So, if you’re a pharmacist or a healthcare professional, it’s essential to have these side effects in mind when discussing the medication with patients.

Will Orforglipron steal Ozempic's spotlight? It remains to be seen, but it certainly looks promising, especially for patients looking for a less intimidating option than injections.

Stay tuned as Eli Lilly pushes for FDA approval, potentially reshaping the landscape of diabetes and weight management treatments.