Orforglipron Beats Semaglutide in 1,698-Adult Trial as Side Effects Hit 59%
Updated
Updated · LADbible · Jul 8
Orforglipron Beats Semaglutide in 1,698-Adult Trial as Side Effects Hit 59%
3 articles · Updated · LADbible · Jul 8
Summary
A 52-week phase 3 trial in 1,698 adults with type 2 diabetes found Eli Lilly's oral GLP-1 orforglipron cut HbA1c by 1.71%-1.91%, versus 1.47% for oral semaglutide.
Weight loss also favored orforglipron at 6.1kg-8.2kg, compared with 5.3kg for semaglutide, from a baseline HbA1c of 8.3%.
The stronger efficacy came with more gastrointestinal problems: 59% of orforglipron patients reported nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or constipation, versus 37%-45% on semaglutide, and 10% discontinued treatment versus 4%-5%.
Foundayo, the brand name for orforglipron, won FDA approval in April 2026, and Lilly has already submitted it to the UK's MHRA for review.
If cleared, UK private access could begin by late 2026, while NHS availability is seen no earlier than 2027; obesity-only trials are still ongoing.
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Orforglipron (Foundayo): Transforming Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes Care with Oral GLP-1—Efficacy, Convenience, and the Road to Cardiometabolic Impact
Overview
Eli Lilly’s Foundayo (orforglipron) is making significant progress toward regulatory approval, supported by strong results from the ATTAIN-MAINTAIN trial. This study showed that Foundayo helps people maintain weight loss after switching from injectable therapies to this new oral GLP-1 treatment, with better results than placebo. These findings are important for ongoing regulatory submissions, positioning Foundayo as a promising option for adults with obesity or weight-related health issues. While the results are encouraging, there is still uncertainty about future approvals and commercial success, highlighting both the potential and the risks as Foundayo moves closer to market launch.