Orforglipron

A new once-daily weight-loss pill called orforglipron delivered better weight loss and blood sugar improvements than the leading oral semaglutide in a major clinical trial. The tablet could offer a more convenient alternative to injectable drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy because it doesn't require refrigeration or special timing with meals. It's also cheaper to manufacture, which could expand access globally.A new type of daily pill has proven more effective for weight loss and blood sugar control than its currently available counterparts, according to a recent trial. The drug, known as orforglipron, could be a game-changer in the rapidly expanding oral weight-loss drug market. The advent of the injectable weight-loss drug semaglutide (known better by its brand names Wegovy and Ozempic) marked a distinct shift in the weight-loss drugs market when it became available just a few years ago. Semaglutide is a class of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) medication. These drugs mimic the gut hormone GLP-1, which is released soon after eating. This hormone signals fullness to the brain, slowing digestion and stimulating the release of insulin. By replicating the action of this hormone, GLP-1 drugs have proven highly effective at managing type 2 diabetes and promoting weight loss. Although semaglutide is widely used, a key issue with the drug is that it needs to be injected into the belly, thighs or back of the arm. This can make it difficult for patients with needle phobia or who don’t want to self-inject due to the inconvenience. Another logistical issue with injectable GLP-1 drugs is that they require refrigeration throughout the supply chain. This can pose a challenge in low- and middle-income countries. It’s for these reasons that researchers and developers have started investigating the efficacy of oral versions of semaglutide. Based on current research, it appears that oral semaglutide is very effective. However, it must be taken on an empty stomach – and users must wait 30 minutes before eating or drinking. Alongside being expensive to produce, it also has poor bioavailability compared with injectable semaglutide. This means only about 1% of the ingested drug is absorbed and able to exert its effects. But a recent phase 3 clinical trial has shown that a new type of oral weight-loss pill may have overcome these issues – proving to be more effective than the current oral semaglutide products on the market. The recent 52-week phase 3 trial involved 1,698 adults with type 2 diabetes across six countries. It set out to compare current oral semaglutide products against orforglipron, which is also taken as a daily tablet. The primary measure researchers were looking for was a reduction in HbA1c. This blood test reflecting average blood sugar levels over three months is the standard indicator of diabetes control. Diabetes is present if HbA1c is 6.5% or more. From a baseline average HbA1c of 8.3%, it was found that after 52 weeks, orforglipron was able to reduce this value by an average of 1.71–1.91%. In comparison, oral semaglutide only reduced HbA1c by 1.47%. Not only did orforglipron meet the trial’s goals of proving it was as effective to oral semaglutide, it proved it was superior for lowering blood sugar. The participants who took orforglipron also lost more weight – an average of 6.1kg-8.2kg, compared with 5.3kg in those taking semaglutide. However, a key issue highlighted by the trial was one of tolerability. GLP-1 drugs can cause gastrointestinal side-effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and constipation. In this latest trial, around 59% of participants on orforglipron reported such symptoms, compared with 37–45% on semaglutide. The reason for this difference may be the more prominent, daily peak drug concentrations with orforglipron. The consequence was that around 10% of orforglipron participants discontinued treatment due to adverse effects. Just 4-5% of those taking semaglutide discontinued treatment. No head-to-head trials have been done of injectable GLP-1 versus orforglipron. However, the weight loss seen in this study of people with type 2 diabetes is broadly comparable with that previously observed with injectable GLP-1. The trial’s results show that orforglipron, which was developed by Eli Lilly, can be considered one of semaglutide’s most credible challengers. Another remarkable thing about orforglipron is that it belongs to a new category of drugs called small-molecule drugs. This means it’s a synthetic chemical compound small enough to be absorbed directly through the gut wall. There, it’s able to act on GLP-1 receptors, even though it isn’t of a similar structure to a GLP-1 hormone. Oral semaglutide, on the other hand, is a peptide drug. This means the structure of its amino acids (one of the building blocks of protein) closely resembles that of the natural GLP-1 hormone. As a small-molecule drug, orforglipron is cheaper and simpler to manufacture than peptide-based drugs such as semaglutide. And as with oral semaglutide, it requires no refrigeration. This gives it a logistical advantage over injectable GLP-1 formulations – a potentially important consideration for expanding access in low- and middle-income countries, where cold chain infrastructure is unreliable. It remains to be seen, however, how orforglipron will perform against oral semaglutide in the broader market. Although this latest trial has shown it is superior for controlling blood sugar and aiding weight loss, its higher rate of side-effects and treatment discontinuation may temper enthusiasm. In a crowded and competitive market, long-term adherence – shaped as much by tolerability as by efficacy – is probably a critical differentiator. Orforglipron is still undergoing trials in patients with obesity but without diabetes.

Weight Watchers expands access for Med+ Medicare beneficiaries to GLP-1 medications covered by the Medicare Bridge Program.NEW YORK, June 30, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- WW International, Inc. (NASDAQ: WW) (“Weight Watchers”), the global leader in science-backed weight health, today announced that Weight Watchers Med+ will support Medicare members seeking access to GLP-1 medications under the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge Program. Through the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge Program, eligible beneficiaries purchase GLP-1 medications for weight loss, including Zepbound®, KwikPen®, Foundayo®, and Wegovy® pen and pill, for $50 per month. The program will run from July 1, 2026 through December 31, 2027. In addition to prescribing medication when appropriate and managing care for these medications, Weight Watchers helps Med+ members navigate insurance coverage, paperwork, and prior authorizations so they can easily access care. “For many people, weight loss is about health, mobility and being able to keep doing the things they love. At Weight Watchers, our goal is to make the process feel less overwhelming by helping members understand their options, access care and receive a GLP-1 prescription if they’re eligible, while also providing the support they need to live well on treatment,” said Scott Honken, PharmD, Chief Commercial Officer, Weight Watchers. To qualify for the Medicare Bridge program, you must have Medicare Part D, meet clinical eligibility, and have a prescription for an eligible GLP-1 medication. This medication must be used alongside ongoing lifestyle changes, including nutrition and physical activity, to support weight loss and maintenance. As Medicare beneficiaries consider GLP-1 treatment, Weight Watchers, a trusted brand for older adults on their health journey, offers comprehensive care beyond providing a prescription. Our Med + program blends clinical oversight with behavioral tools to deliver sustainable results. In addition to clinical care, members access nutrition support, medication tracking, refill reminders, and expert GLP-1 coaches through our integrated GLP-1 Success Program. Crucially for older adults, the program includes tailored strength-building guidance to preserve muscle mass and reduce the risk of frailty and falls. Weight Watchers data show that Med+ members prescribed a GLP-1 medication who regularly engaged with the GLP-1 Success Program lost 29.1% more body weight on average at 12 months than those who did not engage in behavioral support.1 In addition, 73% of Med+ members given the GLP-1 Success Program say that Weight Watchers Med+ helps minimize weight-loss medication side effects.2 ABOUT WEIGHT WATCHERSWeight Watchers is the global leader in science-backed weight management, offering an integrated support system built for the GLP-1 era that combines scientific expertise, medication, cutting-edge technology, and human connection. With more than 60 years of experience, Weight Watchers is the most studied commercial weight management program in the world, delivered through its No. 1 U.S. doctor-recommended weight-loss program. Its holistic, personalized approach also includes U.S.-based clinical interventions and access to GLP-1 medications when clinically appropriate, and a global network of coaches and community support. Since 1963, the company has led with science to deliver its members the personalized support they need to reach and sustain their goals. Members can access these solutions directly, or through Weight Watchers for Business’ full-spectrum platform for employers, health plans, and payers. In a landscape crowded with contradictory advice, isolating apps, and one-size-fits-all solutions, Weight Watchers offers a proven path forward that is rooted in research, grounded in empathy and designed to help every member feel better in their body and live a longer, healthier life. For more information, visit weightwatchers.com. For investor inquiries, please contact:John Mills or Anna Kate HellerWeightWatchers@icrinc.com For media inquiries, please contact::Melissa Garbayomelissa.garbayo@ww.com 1 Based on an internal analysis of 3,325 members who requested at least 1 GLP-1 medication refill through Weight Watchers Med+ and self-reported both a starting weight and weight at week 52. On average, members who logged in to the GLP-1 Success Program at least 4 days each week (n=376) lost 22.20% body weight, and members who never logged in to the app (n=2,949) lost 17.20% body weight in 52 weeks. Not a randomized, controlled clinical trial. Self-reported outcomes have not been independently verified. Individual results may vary.2 Based on an internal data analysis of 92,160 members who received a treatment plan, were prescribed an injectable GLP-1 medication through Weight Watchers, and recorded their starting weight and completed a weigh-in 4 weeks after starting their treatment plan.