{"id":13810,"date":"2025-03-03T16:25:24","date_gmt":"2025-03-03T16:25:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.simpleonlinepharmacy.co.uk\/health-advice\/?p=13810"},"modified":"2025-07-10T14:24:41","modified_gmt":"2025-07-10T14:24:41","slug":"orforglipron-glp-1-pill","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.simpleonlinepharmacy.co.uk\/health-advice\/weight-loss\/orforglipron-glp-1-pill\/","title":{"rendered":"Orforglipron GLP-1 Pill: The Future of Weight Loss Treatments?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Last Updated: 10\/07\/2025<\/em>

For years, the solution to obesity was always simple: \u201ceat less and move more.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That was until the introduction of GLP-1 weight loss treatments<\/a> like Mounjaro, Wegovy, and Saxenda. With patients losing up to 20% of their initial body weight, these treatments have been life changing for those who\u2019ve always struggled with their weight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Building on the success of these injections, manufacturers are now turning their attention to the next frontier of weight loss treatments: oral GLP-1 pills. And at the forefront of this development is a drug called orforglipron<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So what could the arrival of orforglipron mean for the future of weight and obesity management?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this article, we explain what orforglipron is and how it differs from current weight loss treatments. And explore how the oral pill might reshape obesity management in the years ahead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is Orforglipron?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Orforglipron is a once-daily oral pill currently in development for weight management and treating type-2 diabetes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The manufacturer Eli Lilly (the same company behind the weight loss injection Mounjaro<\/a>) expects orforglipron to be approved and available by early 2026. But there is currently no set release date.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Orforglipron belongs to a class of drugs called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists<\/a>. Several GLP-1 receptor agonists are already available in the UK, including the weight loss injections Mounjaro, Saxenda and Wegovy<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Unlike GLP-1 injections, however, orforglipron belongs to a new class of \u201csmall-molecule, nonpeptide compounds<\/a>.\u201d This means it can be properly absorbed and used by the body in an oral form.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Orforglipron Works<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Like Mounjaro, Ozempic<\/a> and Wegovy, orforglipron is a GLP-1 receptor agonist. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

GLP-1 agonists mimic the effect of GLP-1, a hormone your stomach releases when you eat food. This slows digestion, delays stomach emptying, and suppresses your appetite, which helps you lose and manage weight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These treatments were originally designed to treat type-2 diabetes because they also help your body produce more insulin and regulate blood sugar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Orforglipron works slightly differently to GLP-1 injections. The medication has a non-peptide structure, which provides the same effects as weight loss pens when swallowed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Injectable GLP-1 treatments, like Mounjaro and Wegovy, have a peptide-like structure. They\u2019re made up of complex and large compounds<\/a> that the acid and enzymes of the stomach would damage (similar to how the body breaks down food). The compounds are too big to pass the stomach wall, so they cannot be taken via the mouth (i.e. swallowed).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, the new non-peptide compounds of orforglipron are smaller and more resilient. They won\u2019t be destroyed by the stomach and can pass through the stomach\u2019s wall. This allows you to take it orally, while still having the similar effects as other GLP-1s.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Orforglipron vs. GLP-1 Injections<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

While injections like Wegovy and Mounjaro have proven highly effective, they aren\u2019t the most convenient choice for everyone. It\u2019s widely assumed orforglipron, as a daily oral pill, will be a  \u201cpatient-friendly\u201d<\/a> alternative to GLP-1 jabs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But how does Orforglipron compare to traditional GLP-1 injections? And is it really the more convenient option?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cA patient taking tablets instead of using injectables will likely have fewer concerns about how to use the medication.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Is Orforglipron More \u201cPatient-Friendly\u201d?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Many people find pills easier to take and less intrusive than injections. Research has found patients often \u201cpreferred to avoid injectable medications in part due to embarrassment and inconvenience<\/a>.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Discretion is also important for patients. Unfortunately, both carrying excess weight and using GLP-1 medications for weight loss carry a stigma. Injections like Wegovy or Mounjaro require refrigeration before use, making them less discreet. Orforglipron is non-peptide, so strictly maintaining a cold chain for storage and transport is not important. This could make it easier to store away from friends, family or visitors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And for individuals with a fear of needles, taking a daily oral pill is far less daunting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Aamina Rafiq, Lead Pharmacist at Simple Online Pharmacy<\/strong>, agrees that a pill could be \u201ceasier for patients\u201d who can find the injections hard to use, \u201cespecially at the beginning of their weight loss journey\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe get a lot of questions about how to use the injection,\u201d she says. \u201cPatients often ask where they should inject it. How to store the pens properly is a common concern too, especially when people travel. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cA patient taking tablets instead of using injectables will likely have fewer concerns about how to use the medication. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThere are also cases of misuse with the injections, whether intentional or not, like microdosing or stretching doses. A lot of these issues could potentially be avoided with an oral option.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pills Won\u2019t Suit Every Patient<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Still, not everyone will find orforglipron \u201cpatient friendly\u201d because you need to take it every day. Some patients might find a weekly injection easier to incorporate into their routine \u2013 and easier to remember to take.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There is an oral GLP-1 weight loss pill currently available in the UK for type-2 diabetes: Rybelsus. And the pill, which contains semaglutide (the same active ingredient in Wegovy and Ozempic), comes with strict instructions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You have to take it on an empty stomach when you first wake up. You also have to wait 30 minutes before eating, drinking or taking other medications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We don\u2019t know the exact instructions for taking orforglipron. But if the directions are similar to Rybelsus, orforglipron might not suit every patient\u2019s lifestyle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Effectiveness<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Phase-two trials found that obese and overweight patients taking orforglipron lost on average 14.7% body weight over 36 weeks<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is roughly the same amount of weight that patients on Mounjaro lose over the course of treatment. A separate 72-week trial found<\/a> that obese or overweight patients using Mounjaro, the most effective weight loss injection available, lost between 15% and 20% of their body weight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Side Effects<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The phase-two trials for orforglipron found side effects were largely similar to those seen with GLP-1 weight loss injections.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gastrointestinal side effects were the most commonly reported by patients taking orforglipron. This is the same as most GLP-1 jabs like Mounjaro common side effects<\/a> include nausea, vomiting, constipation and diarrhea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These were reportedly mild to moderate and usually occurred as they increased their dosage. Again, patients on GLP-1 injections report worsening side effects as they move up a dose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, we won\u2019t know the full list of orforglipron side effects until the drug is licensed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Orforglipron vs. Existing Weight Loss Pills<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Orforglipron is not the only GLP-1 weight loss pills in development. Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer behind Wegovy, is currently trialling a once-daily weight loss pill called amycretin. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

So it\u2019s clear there\u2019s a demand for an oral version of popular weight loss injections \u2013 and drugmakers are rushing to meet it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But there are already oral weight loss pills available in the UK: Rybelsus, an oral GLP-1 (semaglutide) and Orlistat, which has a completely different mode of action. The popularity of these existing drugs \u2013 and barriers preventing wider uptake \u2013 can help shed some light on how orforglipron might change the weight loss treatment landscape.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rybelsus<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Rybelsus, an oral GLP-1 weight loss drug, was approved by the MHRA to treat type-2 diabetes in 2019. However, over the past couple of years, there has been a major global shortage of the oral GLP-1 drug.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This indicates a high demand for oral GLP-1s. And the availability of oral medication licensed for weight loss, like orforglipron, could help ease shortages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Research also highlights concerns about oral semaglutide being less effective for weight reduction than the approved dose of injectable semaglutide. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Therefore, there\u2019s a \u201cneed for oral treatment options\u201d with \u201cweight-reduction efficacy similar to that of the approved and currently available injectable GLP-1 receptor agonists.\u201d Promising phase-two trials suggest orforglipron could help meet this need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Orlistat<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Orlistat<\/a>, licensed in 1998, was the first weight loss pill available in the UK.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It works very differently from GLP-1 medication. The capsules, which you take with each meal, prevent you from digesting about a third of the fat from food you eat. This undigested fat is passed out with your faeces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The number of people taking orlistat has declined over the past decade, likely down to the emergence of more effective weight loss treatment. In 2010, approximately 1.28 million prescription items were dispensed in England<\/a>, according to NHS England. By 2020, this had decreased to around 292,000.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, it has remained a popular weight loss option among patients who find the drug simple and effective. As a once-daily oral pill, orforglipron might be an attractive option for patients that choose orlistat over GLP-1 jabs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Is Orforglipron the Future of Weight Loss Treatments?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

We won\u2019t fully understand Orforglipron’s impact on weight loss and obesity management until it\u2019s approved and widely used. Then we can assess uptake and look at some initial anecdotal evidence. It will also take some time for researchers to collect data and conduct clinical studies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That said, it is likely that GLP-1 pills like Orforglipron will offer patients greater choice and flexibility. Some patients might find a once-daily pill less daunting and more discreet. Whereas others might prefer a once-weekly injection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We\u2019ve seen similar patterns in other medical areas, where patients can choose the forms of treatment that suit them best. For example, there are different methods of contraception, hair loss treatments and allergy treatments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So orforglipron represents an exciting development in weight loss treatments. While its full potential remains to be seen, it\u2019s clear that the future of weight loss is moving towards greater flexibility and choice for patients.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n\n\n\n